Toolbox

The USYS TdLab develops together with the external pagetd-net of the Swiss Academies a external pagetoolbox for the co-production of knowledge, co-production between different scientific disciplines and between science and society. The various tools offered have all been successfully used and tested in different teaching and research environments by the TdLab or the td-net. They are simple and straightforward and thus can be applied in any research or teaching project. The TdLab offers conceptual guidance for the application of these tools.

A role-play for jointly sorting out the relevance of various involved actors for tackling a specific research question.

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This method develops constellations of social actors, natural elements, technical elements as well as signs/symbols with regard to an issue. It involves heterogenous groups with the intention to find the constellation most participants can agree to.

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A poll for consolidating expert views on an issue using ratings and arguments.

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An iterative methodology for (re)framing problems and co-creating implementable solutions using visual thinking and prototyping.

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A set of questions supporting non-experts in critically challenging an expert’s suggested solution to a problem and the solution’s…

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This approach helps to specify the functional (related to the goal of the respective project step) as well as dynamic (related to the type of participation in the respective project step) involvement of stakeholders.

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A tool for identifying pieces of knowledge to be shared between subparts of inter- and transdisciplinary projects.

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A story-based, qualitative method for uncovering most significant project impacts experienced by individuals.

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An approach that allows for expressing tacit knowledge, values and practices within a group of actors and stakeholders accompanying…

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A heuristic tool for exchanging understandings of concepts across disciplinary, professional and cultural boundaries.

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The outcome spaces framework provides a structure to reflect on, and classify participants’ preferred outcomes in a transdisciplinary project in a differentiated way.

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A tool to initiate bilateral and small group exchange between (sub)projects that need to be linked.

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Using scenario planning, this tool allows for collectively drafting possible future developments of a societal challenge.

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A systems thinking based tool for creating shared understandings of a problem situation, working out possible improvements and…

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A story-based, qualitative method for retrospectively assembling crucial events in a collective process.

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Personal references and values are made explicit by means of objects brought along. This helps the group to find common thematic focuses that take into account the different values.

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A practical approach for iterative planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning for change-oriented research.

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A tool for tailoring research questions to (societal) knowledge demands.

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A tool to uncover implicit assumptions and shared understandings of scientific disciplines and to oppose them to the thought styles…

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A diagram for forming groups around joint topics based on participants’ background, expertise, and interest.

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