Participatory design for democratic innovation: participation requests and community empowerment in Scotland

Over the last decade, a growing body of research has explored potential applying design approaches within policymaking, resulting in emergence novel practice, termed ‘design for policy’. While largely successful, questions remain regarding specifics policy process. In this, key points contention relate to way government-citizen deliberation and collaboration is framed (i.e., who gets participate initiatives how), as well role process it means problem-solving or problem-framing). Responding these challenges by examining specific approach—Participatory Design (PD)—in policy, present article turns Scottish policymaking context. Here, we case study project titled Social Studios, which how PD might enable communities better approach Participation Requests (PRs)–a mechanism Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act (2015) that allows groups engage with public authorities on local issues relating infrastructure services. From an initial overview context study, describe its methods, and, finally, outcome—a bespoke ‘PR Toolbox’. The then closes series reflections broader policy.