Intergenerational collaboration for the future of water systems

In the article Reimagining public water: an intergenerational exploration of paradigms for future system design, the authors describe three steps for this redesign process: 1) a descriptive step; 2) a normative step; and 3) an exploratory step. By first identifying the design principles for the current drinking water chain (descriptive step) and then reconsidering and reformulating them (normative step), it is possible to imagine different futures for the drinking water chain (exploratory step). The authors use the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) to elaborate these steps. This is a theoretical model that helps to establish a picture of the shared values and beliefs – the paradigms – of groups of actors. The method developed by the authors describes, reconsiders and explores possible alternative paradigms. In this way, the method constitutes an important building block for Public design, an approach in which design thinking is used to achieve transitions.

New visions of the water system

KWR used intergenerational rethinking in the GRROW project GRROW-project. which involved more than fifty young professionals in a design process. The result was three new visions of the Dutch water chain that represent new paradigms. Through workshops and intergenerational dialogues (conversations between young professionals and experienced colleagues), GRROW explored possible future paradigms for the drinking water chain, providing a fresh view of system design for the future.

Inspiration for other sectors

The GRROW project is a Exploratory study in the Waterwijs programme. It demonstrates that the intergenerational rethinking approach not only results in creative solutions but also gives young professionals a voice in strategic discussions. According to the authors of the article, the method could also provide inspiration for sectors and issues outside the water sector.