Eating together: towards a gut-centred approach in Participatory Design

Abstract

Designing for the complexity of the socio-environmental challenges we are part of requires a shift from individual-centred methods to more respectful and caring practices. As a response, Participatory Design (PD) is expanding its repertoire to embrace relational and processual approaches motivated by the curiosity to articulate a more caring, response-able attitude toward others, humans, and beyond. This research project aims to contribute to this shift by examining the potential of thinking and doing (with) eating as an embodied experience in PD spatial transformation projects. My research approach intentionally translocates the knowledge-making process from the brain to the gut, taking cues from our everyday metabolic engagement and the material relations they create. Through eating, this approach aims to emphasise body experiences as a primary source of knowledge. Preliminary findings highlight a profound link between gut-driven engagement and researchers, designers, and participants’ capacity to address complex societal and environmental issues, advocating a shift towards gut-centered PD.