Case studies

Sciencehorizons (DIUS): Involving the public in discussions on the future role of technology

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The Brief

Dialogue by Design was asked to devise a creative and highly engaging way to explore the public's views of future developments in science and technology. DIUS's aim was to encourage members of the public to think about and share their hopes and fears about the possible impacts of emerging technologies (such as robotics, nanotechnology, and gene therapies) on their lives and on society in general. While scientists and industry are developing new technologies and processes all the time, it is important that government policy making takes into account societal values and ethics as well as political and economic considerations.

The Process

Using an engaging and dedicated project website as the backbone of the project, Dialogue by Design created discussion packs for use by citizens in small group discussions with friends and family in homes, schools and communities. The packs contained a number of different scenarios presented in the form of illustrated stories. These stories were based on everyday situations designed to illustrate how science and technology may be used in the future.

The pack was downloadable from the website and available in hard copy. A series of open questions were posed for each scenario and participants could submit the results of their discussions online or on paper.

Hundreds of community groups around the country held discussions using the packs and provided us with feedback. Over thirty specially organised workshops were held by science centres around the country for interested individuals, and a control group met twice to explore the issues in detail. All findings were posted on the project website, collated, analysed and reported.

The Outcome

Sciencehorizons identified a number of areas of science and technology about which members of the public had particular concerns. These were used as a reference by relevant policy makers across government to ensure key issues were being addressed. They were also reviewed in a special meeting with Sir David King, the Chief Scientific Advisor at the time.

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