Past event
Living Labs -- Academic Forum
This Academic Forum will consider the experience of Living Lab modules at the University of Edinburgh. These are team-based interdisciplinary credit-bearing modules that adopt a Learning by Developing approach to pedagogy.
The framework was initially developed and delivered in a Masters-level module for Design Informatics in 2014, where students were asked to develop innovative solutions to 'wicked problems' in the city, using multiple datasets and participatory design methods to inform their approach. The module started from the premise that new solutions should always closely involve input from users, and as far as possible should take place in real world contexts rather than use contrived laboratory settings.
Students were encouraged to rapidly prototype project ideas, testing and measuring their effectiveness, refining them or throwing them away as required. In 2016, this pedagogical approach was adapted to a new module for first and second year undergraduates, and is again being offered this semester as Data, Design and the City. The challenges addressed to date cover active travel in Inverleith, walking in the City Centre, waste management in the City, the University's Sustainable Food Strategy and (for 2019) upcycling and the circular economy.
Presenters:
Professor Ewan Klein is a member of the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh. He is a co-founder and co-director of Edinburgh's Living Labs initiative.
Dr James Stewart is a lecturer and research fellow, Science, Technology and Innovation Studies, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh.
Dr Morgan Currie is a lecturer in Data & Society, Science, Technology and Innovation Studies, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh.
Lunch will be provided from 1pm with the presentation beginning at 2pm.