Rosie Hornbuckle
Translation has been highlighted as a feature of design practice that can be crucial in transdisciplinary research. The phrase ‘from bench to bed’ for example, describes how design can support the impact of science by translating fundamental research findings into products and services that benefit patients. This logic can be applied to any field where there is a gap between research and real-world application and use. Furthermore, the translational approaches practiced by designers, have been valuable in closing the gaps between disciplines in interdisciplinary research, through visualisation and materialisation However, when viewed through a systems lens, these horizontal and vertical framings for translation and boundary-spanning become problematic. Gaps exist between all actors where knowledge boundaries are experienced, not only between research and society, or between research disciplines. Translational practices within projects where systemic innovation, transformation or transition is the aim, need a different framing, that acknowledges and responds to, the complexity of knowledge and boundaries at play. This paper brings together the three theoretical constructs of boundary-spanning, systemic design and translational design to explore a new concept and practice: Systemic Translation. Four typical systemic frames are used to explore the concept of Systemic Translation in relation to a specific Systemic Materials Innovation project. The aim is to begin to understand how the systemic frame may benefit translational practices in complex transdisciplinary research and practice. The reflective discussion considers the role of a team in supporting systemic translation, a pluralistic approach that acknowledges the dynamic and changing nature of system actors and their relationships, and the importance of boundary-object development and deployment in Systemic Translation that support knowledge flow across multiple levels and themes. The question of how to plan Systemic Translation methodologies when actors and boundaries are different with every new project is finally considered.
Keywords: Systemic Translation, Boundary-spanning, Transdisciplinarity, Translational Design, Collaboration