Human and Artificial Systems in the Design for Social Innovation: Critical issues and opportunities.

Abstract: The complexity of human and artificial systems plays a crucial role in Design for Social Innovation (DfSI), an approach that aims to solve social problems through the co-creation of innovative solutions. In this context, design must take into account the dynamic interactions between individuals, communities, and advanced technologies. Indeed, the concept of systemic complexity is fundamental to understanding how heterogeneous elements can interact, influence each other, and generate nonlinear and often unexpected outcomes. In the field of DfSI, the main challenge is to integrate human systems, characterized by diverse behaviors, needs, and values, with artificial systems, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cybernetic systems, which operate according to algorithmic logic. This integration requires a thorough understanding of socio-technical dynamics, including the analysis of social networks, collective decision-making processes, and technological mediation. Human systems, inherently complex, are defined by a network of social, cultural, and economic relationships. In DfSI, these systems must be viewed not only as recipients of innovations but also as active co-creators. Indeed, human participation is essential to ensure that design solutions are sustainable, accepted, and adapted to local contexts. The systems approach to DfSI, therefore, requires interdisciplinary collaboration that integrates expertise in design, social sciences, technology, and ethics. The goal is to develop design methodologies that are capable of managing complexity and promoting inclusive, sustainable, and adaptive social innovation. Internationally, there are interesting case studies demonstrating the potential of integrating artificial systems into complex social problems in a wide variety of contexts. For example: i) Smart Cities and Social Innovation - Case Study: the city of Barcelona; ii) Healthcare Innovation with AI - Case Study: Babyl in Rwanda; iii) Educational Innovation and AI - Case Study: Adaptive Learning Platforms; iv) Sustainable Agriculture and AI - Case Study: Precision Agriculture in Kenya. In Italy, too, the application of advanced digital technologies in the social context is now widespread. Significant examples include: i) "Educational Robotics" project - Stripes Cooperative; ii) "AI & Welfare" project - Idee in Rete National Consortium; iii) Artificial Intelligence for Social Good project - ABN Consortium; iv) "Care for Carers" project - ASAD Social Cooperative. This research has systematized DfSI initiatives that integrate artificial systems into complex social problems currently present in the Umbria Region, with the aim of addressing the challenge of scalability, i.e., the ability to adapt design solutions to different contexts and communities. This process aims to create a map of criticalities and potentials, facilitating interactions, as well as the development of operational guidelines that can stimulate the emergence of new creative and innovative opportunities. The goal is to develop design methodologies that can manage complexity and promote inclusive, sustainable, and adaptive social innovation. In conclusion, the complexity of human and artificial systems is a key challenge in DfSI, but it also offers significant opportunities to develop more effective and resilient solutions. The interaction between these systems must be carefully managed to ensure that social innovation is driven by people's needs and supported by technologies in an ethical and responsible manner. 1. Manzini, E. (2015). Design, When Everybody Designs: An Introduction to Design for Social Innovation. MIT Press. 2. Mulgan, G. (2019). Social Innovation: How Societies Find the Power to Change. Policy Press. 3. Latour, B. (2005). Reassembling the Social: An Introduction to Actor-Network-Theory. Oxford University Press. 4. Smith, A., & Stirling, A. (2018). Grassroots Innovation and Innovation Democracy. Science and Technology Studies, 31(2), 35-52. 5. Ratti, C., & Claudel, M. (2016). The City of Tomorrow: Sensors, Networks, Hackers, and the Future of Urban Life. Yale University Press. 6. Fu, Z., & Zhou, Y. (2020). Research on human–AI co-creation based on reflective design practice. CCF Transactions on Pervasive Computing and Interaction, 2(1), 33-41. 7. Dionisio, M. et al., (2023) The role of digital social innovations to address SDGs: A systematic review Environmental Management and Sustainable Development” (23 February 2023), Springer 8. Cila, N., Giaccardi, E., Trotto, A., & Bogers, S. (2017). Products as agents: Metaphors for designing the products of the IoT age.

Keywords: Design for Inclusion

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006161

Cite this paper:

​