Like its predecessor Future-Proof Labs, Future-Proof Labs 2 conducts research into effectively setting up and acting in experimental environments aimed at sustainability transitions.

The lab process that leads to shareable or scalable (interim) solutions is central to a living lab. Although the direct impact of lab activities on regions is difficult to measure, a lab can realise impact on how various stakeholders learn. An independent facilitator/designer who has no role or interest in the lab can add a lot of value at various points in the process in creating trust and co-creation between the lab stakeholders. The ambition of Future-Proof Labs 2 is therefore to conduct further research into the tools with which involved stakeholders can evaluate their lab, and into the methodologies that designers and facilitators need to effectively use and support the lab, depending on the what phase a lab is in.

GOAL

The central research question here is: What do designers need to make an impact in the different phases of the living lab process model? The aim is to design a framework with which living lab core teams and involved designers can improve and accelerate lab processes, and with which involved stakeholders can reflect on the lab progress.

The PPS programme grant available for this project is €205,407,-