Action Research as a Framework to Evaluate the Operations of a Living Lab

Abstract

In this article, we propose an action research approach to capture and act upon the de- lights and frustrations of panel members who participate in living lab research in order to optimize the operations of the living lab itself. We used this approach to test the effective- ness of action research in providing guidelines to practitioners to evaluate and design ef- fective and sustainable user involvement processes in living labs. We conducted a focused literature review and an in-depth case study of both the integration of a researcher within the community and the implementation of an action research project within an existing living lab. This living lab is regarded as both a forerunner and a best-practice example in Europe. Based on our findings, we recommend co-creating the “operations” of a living lab with the users themselves following a combined action research and living lab approach.