New design processes for knowledge exchange tools for the New IDEAS project

Abstract

In this paper, we describe our research into designing tools for knowledge exchange on the New IDEAS project at ImaginationLancaster, a design research lab in Lancaster University. This paper will discuss the design process for designing tools that facilitate knowledge exchange, highlighting the challenges faced during the process. We go on to describe how to support others with designing knowledge exchange tools. We will discuss our experience of running a series of knowledge exchange labs as part of our research, in which participants from all of the faculties within Lancaster University co-designed tools and refer to the process of designing one of the tools - the Case Study Tool. At the end of the paper we outline our key principles for designing KE tools for others so that they can be customised and modified. This has implications for those who work in KE but do not already realise that they are designing KE tools, those who have a desire to understand how to design KE tools and those who work in the area of participatory, open or KE design who want to gain a further understanding of their design process and how to support others in designing or adapting their own KE tools.