Examining Methectic Technical Communication in an Urban Planning Comic Book

Abstract

Technical communication research has relied heavily on participatory, user-focused strategies as well as “participative”, posthuman frameworks. Both research methodologies have various strengths, yet also have been critiqued for underplaying the role of human and non-human agency (respectively) in rhetorical situations. Through an analysis of an urban planning comic book, I suggest that turning to the Greek concept of methexis–or “participation”–may help technical communication researchers bridge posthuman and user-centered investigative approaches.