# Figurative representation tools to support the participatory design process of an agrifood system

Aliénor Morvan, Anna Hirson-Sagalyn, Olivier Hirt, Marion Casagrande

► To cite this version:

Aliénor Morvan, Anna Hirson-Sagalyn, Olivier Hirt, Marion Casagrande. Figurative representation tools to support the participatory design process of an agrifood system. 8th International Farming System Design Conference, Aug 2025, Palaiseau, France. 24 p. hal-05261852

HAL Id: hal-05261852

https://hal.inrae.fr/hal-05261852v1

Submitted on 15 Sep 2025

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# Figurative representation tools to support the participatory design process of an agrifood system

Aliénor Morvan<fnref n="1" />, Anna Hirson-Sagalyn<fnref n="2" />, Olivier Hirt<fnref n="1" /> and Marion Casagrande<fnref n="2" />

<footnote n="1">¹ Centre de Recherche en Design – ENSCI, France</footnote>

<footnote n="2">² Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR Agronomie, France</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_2.png" /></figure>

Projet Z workshop - Gotheron, 30.03.17

<figure><img src="image_3.png" /></figure>

Pilat PNR workshop, 17.01.25
# Representational issues in other fields of design

Designing
is representing !

<figure><img src="image_4.png" /></figure>

Visser (2006)

<figure><img src="image_5.png" /></figure>
# Representational issues in other fields of design

## Co-evolution

<figure><img src="image_6.png" /></figure>

(Dorst & Cross 2001)

## Boundary objects between different social worlds

(Star & Griesmeyer 1989, Vinck 2009)

<figure><img src="image_7.png" /><figcaption>Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Jeanneret et Le Corbusier
LC4 (1928-1929)</figcaption></figure>

## Reflexive conversation

<figure><img src="image_8.png" /></figure>

Memorial discharge Tracking decisions
(Visser 2006)

## Collaboration

<figure><img src="image_9.png" /></figure>

(Détienne et al. 2004)

<figure><img src="image_10.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_11.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_12.png" /></figure>
# Representational issues in participatory design

Designing
is representing !

<figure><img src="image_13.png" /></figure>

Visser (2006)

<figure><img src="image_14.png" /></figure>

## Who's holding the pen?

Representing is a process implying a **succession of micro-decisions.**
(Visser 2006)

<figure><img src="image_15.png" /></figure>

Representing gives POWER during the design process,
that has to be considered in a democratic and participatory perspective.
# Representation modes used in a agrofood system design

Romera et al., 2020:

Figurative representations can help manage complexity by facilitating the sensitive perception of numerous pieces of information, different scales, design components and actor networks

<figure><img src="image_16.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_17.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_18.png" /></figure>
# Representation modes used in a agrofood system design

<figure><img src="image_19.png" /></figure>

Complementarity of different representation modes (Dorta et.al 2016)
<figure><img src="image_20.png" /></figure>

Projet Z workshop - Gotheron, 30.03.17

<figure><img src="image_21.png" /></figure>

Pilat PNR workshop, 17.01.25

Agronomists are not necessarily trained in representation so the technical mediation is mostly based on written note-taking.

<figure><img src="image_22.png" /></figure>

* In what extend strengthening the figurative dimension of representations produced in the participatory design of agrifood systems, can enhance stakeholders' agency during workshops?

<figure><img src="image_23.png" /></figure>

* Describing preparation, management and refinement of the representations as well as the tactics to support stakeholders' empowerment.
## Documenting participatory design methodologies for agroecological transition

* 9 territories un hexagonal France - National Park of the Pilat

* Systemic approach at the territory scale

<figure><img src="image_24.png" /></figure>
Context - Pilat National Park (PNR)

<figure><img src="image_25.png" /></figure>
# Methodology - Workshop sequencing and **initially** planned technical set up

## Workshop #1

Novembre 2024

<figure><img src="image_26.png" /></figure>

Text on post-It notes
written **by the mediator**

## Workshop #2

January 2025

<figure><img src="image_27.png" /></figure>

Text on post-It notes written
**by the mediator**

<figure><img src="image_28.png" /></figure>

Preprinted image library
arranged by the **mediator**

## Workshop #3

Planned for the end of the 1st semester 2025

**POSTPONED**
until mid-July 2025!

<figure><img src="image_29.png" /></figure>

**Participants'**
written prompts

<figure><img src="image_30.png" /></figure>

**Participants'** selection
or prompt refinement

<figure><img src="image_31.png" /></figure>

**Participants'**
images directly
sent to
the mini printer

<figure><img src="image_32.png" /></figure>

**Participants'** direct
manipulation and
arrangement of the
printed images
# Editing and refinement of Workshop #1 outputs presented at Workshop #2

<figure><img src="image_33.png" /><figcaption>## Workshop #2</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_34.png" /><figcaption>## Workshop #3</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_35.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_36.png" /></figure>
# Analysis of Workshop #2 outputs

<figure><img src="image_37.png" /></figure>

Identification of 7 challenges:
# Classification of Workshop #2 outputs through the 7 challenges

## Workshop #1

## Workshop #2

## Workshop #3

<figure><img src="image_38.png" /></figure>
# Illustration of Workshop #2 outputs through the 7 challenges

<figure><img src="image_39.png" /></figure>
# Board to be filled with the participants of Workshop #3.1 and #3.2

<figure><img src="image_40.png" /></figure>
# Workshop #3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 - Outputs of the video conference interviews using Miro

## Workshop #1

### Workshop #3.1
Agro Campus

<figure><img src="image_41.png" /></figure>

Stakeholder

<figure><img src="image_42.png" /></figure>

Mediators

### Workshop #3.2
Agrofood cluster

<figure><img src="image_43.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_44.png" /></figure>

### Workshop #3.3
Chamber of Agriculture

<figure><img src="image_45.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_46.png" /></figure>

## Workshop #2

<figure><img src="image_47.png" /></figure>

### Workshop #3.1 ; 3.2 ; 3.3 ; 3.4
# Workshop #3 - Refinement of the visual outputs

<figure><img src="image_48.png" /><figcaption>## Workshop #2</figcaption></figure>

<caption>## Workshop #3.1 ; 3.2 ; 3.3 ; 3.4</caption>
# Workshop #3 - Implementation in the initial illustration

<figure><img src="image_49.png" /><figcaption>## Workshop #2</figcaption></figure>

<caption>## Workshop #3.1 ; 3.2 ; 3.3 ; 3.4</caption>
# Workshop #3 - Board to be filled with the participants of 3.4

<figure><img src="image_50.png" /><figcaption>## Workshop #2</figcaption></figure>

<caption>## Workshop #3.1 ; 3.2 ; 3.3 ; 3.4</caption>
## Workshop #1

## Workshop #2

## Workshop #3.1 ; 3.2 ; 3.3 ; 3.4

### Complexity of the representations

* Number of notes and images

* Stability of the challenges classification

* Epistemic levels treated in each challenges

* Identified causal links between elements (notes and images) of different challenges

* Cumulative approach

* Extension of the illustration surface from one workshop to the other

* Time of output treatment between workshops

### Representability of the information, support to the design activity and participants agency

* Number of notes vs number of images, comparison mediator vs stakeholders

* Notes vs images correspondence

* Spontaneous elicitation of a good understanding of the progress represented by the initial illustration

* Referring to the initial illustration and added images during a workshop

* Number of duplicates between initial and new information during a workshop

* Nature of information (observation, proposition, example for inspiration, validation or counterargument)

### Genericity

* Library of illustrated elements as a participatory design kit for other contexts, other agricultural sectors
# Thank you !

**Aliénor Morvan**
[alienor.morvan@ensci.com](mailto:alienor.morvan@ensci.com)

**Anna Hirson-Sagalyn**
[anna.hirson-sagalyn@inrae.fr](mailto:anna.hirson-sagalyn@inrae.fr)

**Olivier Hirt**
[olivier.hirt@ensci.com](mailto:olivier.hirt@ensci.com)

**Marion Casagrande**
[marion.casagrande@inrae.fr](mailto:marion.casagrande@inrae.fr)
Illustrating an abstract system in other fields - graphic investigations

<figure><img src="image_51.png" /></figure>

Pierre Van Hove - Green algae

<figure><img src="image_52.png" /></figure>

Antoine Maréchal - Concrete, investigation into shifting sand
# Illustrating an abstract system in other design fields - Public policies design

<figure><img src="image_53.png" /></figure>