Introduction
Designing Entangled Social Innovation in Asia-Pacific (DESIAP) is a network of researchers and change-makers dedicated to fostering mutual learning and capacity building in design and social innovation (DSI). Led by Yoko Akama (RMIT University, Australia) and Joyce Yee (Northumbria University, UK), DESIAP supports practitioners and researchers working across the Asia-Pacific region. Backed by these institutions in the UK and Australia, guided by an international Advisory Board, the network has expanded over the past decade to include Sarah Teasley (RMIT University, Australia), Khemmiga Teerapong (Bangkok University, Thailand), Yuko Kikuchi (RCA, V&A Museum, UK), Sarah Kushinsky (RMIT University, Australia), Ko-Le Chen (Northumbria University, UK), Cyril Tjahja (Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam) and Viola Petrella (Pares.it, Italy).
The idea of a Network initially began with our mutual curiosity about what kinds of “design” and “social innovation” projects are undertaken in the Asia-Pacific region and by whom, and a desire to create a platform for capacity-building and knowledge-sharing among those tackling systemic and complex challenges with their local communities. We have learnt through our conversations with practitioners and researchers that heterogeneous design practices have always been active under other names, continually constituted by various blends of cultures, relationships, materials, histories, philosophies, and world views to become relevant to certain localities and situations. The DESIAP Insights section offers further exploration of the knowledge and perspectives that have emerged from our conversations.
Our Work
Events & Gatherings
This network has been built on a series of workshops and public symposia to share inspiration, knowledge and learnings through practical examples. Our first event in Singapore 2015 at the National Design Centre confirmed strong interest and opportunity for DSI in the Asia-Pacific region. Subsequent gatherings in Bangkok (2016), Kuala Lumpur (2017), and other locations have drawn international audiences of practitioners, academics, and policymakers. These events explore themes such as alternative social impact evaluations and locally relevant approaches to community-led D&SI. Between major gatherings, we organise smaller workshops, collaborate on publications, and develop new initiatives.
Research
Our research projects involved exploring the social and economic impact of creative and cultural districts in Thailand, as well as place-based creative economies in the UK and Thailand. Since 2017, we have been developing impact evaluation practices in DSI, emphasising context-sensitive and inclusive approaches to recognising social impact.
Capacity Building
A core part of DESIAP is capacity-building. We mentored Japanese researchers to publish in international design research forums and have piloted a transcultural peer mentoring program for women in the craft and social innovation sectors. With funding from the UK’s AHRC and the Australia-Japan Foundation, we launched an 18-month initiative supporting 12 women craftspeople and social innovators across Australia, Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand.
For an overview of our activities since 2014, view our DESIAP network activities map.
Get Involved
We invite you to join us in strengthening this network. Share your events or ideas for collaboration on this website and follow us on Facebook,