This study investigates how Participatory Design (PD) practices in Singapore navigate multiple roles—designer, facilitator, and care worker—while engaging with residents to co-create solutions in a multicultural context. Rooted in Human-Centric Design (HCD), which aligns with Singapore's "Creative City of Design" initiative, designers aim to democratize decision-making on social issues by involving diverse stakeholders in reshaping communities. The research draws on Hall's cultural identity theory to explore the fluidity of identity within PD processes and applies Cross's cultural competence theory (1988) to develop strategies for meaningful engagement across cultural boundaries. The study critiques static models of cultural competence, introducing the concept of "camouflage creativity", which suggests that adaptive creativity and fluid identities within collaborative design can shape the cultural competence of residents involved in power dynamics or exercising it outside these structures. Methodologically, this qualitative study employs ethnographic fieldwork, including interviews and observations, alongside official reports to examine the interactions between designers and residents in PD. By conducting thematic analysis, the research aims to enhance the understanding of cultural competence and identity within community-building processes, highlighting the roles of creativity and participation in fostering an inclusive society.

Authors:
Cheng Chen, National University of Singapore, Singapore

About the Presenter(s)
Cheng is a Ph.D of Cultural Studies at the National University of Singapore, focusing on design culture and community-building, also serving as a Design Thinking instructor and community artist involved in civic participatory actions in Sngapore.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheng-chen-99a4a0b6/

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Cheng-Chen-236

Additional website of interest
https://chencheng.co/

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