Emotions: The invisible aspect of co-creation workshops

Mariluz Soto Hormazábal, Caoimhe Isha Beaulé, Mira Alhonsuo and Satu Miettinen

Faculty of Art and Design, University of Lapland, Rovaniemi, Finland

Abstract: This article focuses on the emotions service designers experience in their role as facilitators. We will explore emotions in the context of a co-creative environment, and discuss how encounters between participants and facilitators generate different perspectives despite a common environment. Facilitators’ perceptions of participant emotions are lacking in accuracy due to the influence of their own emotional experiences during a workshop. This article suggests that knowledge and understanding of the emotional aspect of co-creation workshops could provide facilitators with additional support when conducting workshops, and lead to better outcomes and more meaningful experiences for all involved.

Keywords: emotions, service design, co-creation, facilitators

The presentation will take place on August 27th, University of Oulu, Finland.

Link to the conference website here