%C Cambridge, USA
%X Similar to validation techniques, participatory methods try to alleviate bounded rationality in the process of modelling in order to build better models. In addition, they aim to change par-ticipants understanding, decision making and actions. While good examples of best practice exist in participatory system dynamics, a unified underlying social theory of collaboration or learning, or even competing theories are missing. To support the development of a theoretical-ly grounded participatory process, we draw on the distinction of bounded rationality repre-sented in model content as well as in the modelling process itself and specifically draw on theories of meaning construction by George Herbert Mead and relate them to a case example in the area of housing. We argue that participatory methods should include four elements of meaning-making (i.e. gesturing, naming, acting, and iterating) in order to change participant’s mental models. This will also change the contents represented in the generated system dynam-ics models, e.g. from a fragmented to a more holistic view.
%O This version is the version of record. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
%S International Conference of the System Dynamics Society (
%I System Dynamics Society
%J Proceedings of the 33rd International Conference of the System Dynamics Society* Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA -- July 19-23, 2015
%L discovery1470562
%P P1278
%D 2015
%T Meaning-making in the process of participatory system dynamics research
%V 2015
%A NS Zimmermann
%A LJ Black
%A C Shrubsole
%A M Davies
%B Proceedings of the 33rd International Conference of the System Dynamics Society