Tapestries of trust: using interdisciplinary design research to weave in multi-stakeholder perspectives in the public sector

Abstract

In complex contexts involving stakeholders including public sector actors and vulnerable groups, design can help in untangling disciplinary perspectives and translating research to create shared knowledge. This paper explores the role of design research in understanding trust between civil servants and migrants in Espoo. Employing a multi-method qualitative approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews, ethnographic studies and participatory workshops to investigate the diverse dimensions of trust. Through this paper, we aim to demonstrate the value of methodological diversity in translating research findings into actionable outcomes and influencing collaborative, interdisciplinary knowledge creation. We examine the suitability of the used methods in terms of 1) facilitation of interdisciplinary research, 2) participation of stakeholders, and 3) accessibility and adaptation of process and findings. By reflecting on our disciplinary configurations and their engagement with external stakeholders, we hope to reduce the gap between research and societal impact.