Insights into transdisciplinary innovation: co-creating visual materials in social welfare

Abstract

Purpose This case study aims to trace a transdisciplinary development process in the context of social welfare that – taking a novel approach – addresses the issue where client’s rights and obligations to participate in the planning of personal and economic assistance come up against communication barriers.

Design/methodology/approach Content analysis of conversation observations, documents and interviews with social workers and social assistance beneficiaries from four services allowed to identify potential development topics. Visual materials on 10 jointly selected topics were then developed in an iterative and co-creative process drawing on the expertise, experience and ideas of social service managers, social workers, clients of social services, a national umbrella organisation and – on the research side – social work and visual communication design.

Findings From an innovation-specific perspective, the case study allows for discussion of topics such as development alongside day-to-day business, gatekeeping of professionals or the challenges of service user participation. Furthermore, the case analysis highlights key aspects relating to contextual conditions and the promotion of social innovation therein.

Originality/value The present case study allows conclusions to be drawn about the challenges facing transdisciplinary innovation in a public, administratively structured and highly regulated area of human services and how these can be addressed. In addition to the potential for disruptions within the process, it is clear that creative endeavours can flourish through adequate funding, knowledge-based collaboration, planning that is closely aligned with the realities of the field, flexibility and a collective openness to learning.