1. Liesbeth Huybrechts, Katrien Dreessen & Selina Schepers
Social Spaces / MAD-faculty / FAK (KULeuven)
“Mapping design practices: on risk, hybridity and participation”

2. MAP-it is a participatory method (background map, sticker
sheets, scenario,..) that has been developed, tested and applied
in diverse contexts

3. Reflective => creative. Conclusion from research cases and literature:
introduction of risk-taking in the participatory process in 3 ways:
(1) working over the borders of the own discipline in a hybrid zone, (2) provoking friction
and (3) releasing control.

4. Case: negotiating values in organising a FabLab
with “MAP-it” (blueprint, machines, people,..)

5. 1. MAP-it allows people to negotiate in a hybrid zone
between disciplines (Muller, 2002): abstract icons, various media, turn taking

6. 2. MAP-it allows friction
‘risk-stickers' and certain game rules introduce friction to the workshop
in playful manner and stimulate different view (e.g. stairs, slope, new
building)

7. 3. MAP-it encourages releasing control via its openness
e.g. Fablab participants forced to open ways of working via open icons

8. Discussion
(1) Open source kit requires choices by toolkit designers around definition of ‘acceptable risk’ (level
hybridity, openness, friction; via design stickers, background, game...). (2) However, MAP-it forces
designers to release control to participants (e.g. redefine space fablab). (3) Every decision depends
on project's goal.

9. For more information, see: www.map-it.be
Also, feel free to download the MAP-it mapping kit and start
mapping!