Living Labs and Future Narratives

Abstract

Authenticity, originality, lived human experience. How much value is being placed on these qualities in a world facing challenges such as AI, climate change and economic breakdown, rapid reconfigurations in the future of work? How can cross curriculum experiences and partnership pedagogies support students and universities navigating these challenges? In this paper, I reflect on innovations in learning and teaching, research, and scholarship in an age of seismic uncertainty. Specifically, I address the intersections between Screen Media, STEM, design thinking and storytelling for sustainability as part of the student and university experience. Citing case studies and examples, I consider some of the co-creation methodologies, the role of appreciative enquiry, and cross-curriculum partnership pedagogies, in the form of living labs. These have demonstrably enabled us to learn from each other and contribute to a wider landscape of scholarship and work that values original thinking and authentic creative expression.