Participatory Design Lab in Crete: A Journey of Co-Creation and Transformation
From September 28 to October 5, 2024, a diverse group of professionals gathered in Crete for the Methods of Participatory Design Lab, a week-long training dedicated to exploring collaborative tools, leadership frameworks, and integral approaches to participation. Organized by the Institute for Global Integral Competence (IfGIC) in collaboration with Fractality, the workshop combined theory and practice with the unique cultural and natural setting of Crete, offering participants not only new skills but also a transformative experience.
Setting the Scene
The journey began with a Welcome Circle, a simple yet profound ritual of introductions that set the tone for the week: openness, trust, and shared purpose. From the start, participants experienced the richness of a truly international group—philosophers, foresters, psychologists, lawyers, and educators from across the world. As Rocío recalled: “We established the perspective to listen and appreciate different perspectives, but also to learn from their professions and rich experiences.”
Tools for Participation
The training introduced a wide range of participatory methods. The Icebreaker Questionnaire by Bjorn Z. Ekelund provided a playful yet insightful way to explore communication and collaboration styles, assigning colors such as red, green, and blue to personal tendencies. As Rocío described, it helped participants see how these traits could be balanced through reflection and deep listening.
Other key methods included the World Café, Open Space Technology, and Appreciative Inquiry (AI)—tools designed to uncover collective wisdom and build on existing strengths. Ruby found Appreciative Inquiry particularly powerful: “Instead of focusing on gaps or weaknesses, AI works on the premise of harnessing existing strengths within individuals and teams. This strengths-based approach was immediately energizing.”
The “Tree of Life” exercise, facilitated through Appreciative Inquiry, became a central metaphor of the week. Dreams were imagined as fruits, supported by skills and values as roots, and held together by the trunk of shared processes. For Monica, this creative visioning process clarified professional aspirations and deep motivations, offering a framework that could be carried into their work with forestry stakeholders.
Integral Perspectives and Collective Learning
Another major component of the program was Integral Theory, introduced through the AQAL model, which integrates effectiveness, efficiency, well-being, and culture. Ruby described this as “a revelation … a comprehensive map for addressing complex challenges.” For Monica, Integral Theory even resonated as a “modus vivendi—a way of life” that could be enriched by reconnecting human and natural systems.
These frameworks were brought to life through intergenerational dialogue and participatory constellations. Dr. Anna Storck and Dr. Aftab Mohamed guided the group through processes that revealed the unique wisdom of elders and the fresh perspectives of younger participants. The result was, “a powerful reminder that learning and growth are continuous, no matter our stage in life.”
Balancing Learning with Nature and Self-Care
The week was not only about structured learning but also about creating balance. Meditation, reflective walks, and group excursions highlighted the importance of self-care and sustainable rhythms. Participants visited the world’s oldest olive tree, explored Cretan history, and shared meals that deepened their sense of community. Participants emphasized how these moments of connection with nature “deepened my understanding of sustainable care and learning.”
Reflections and Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, participants left with new tools, deeper self-awareness, and a strong sense of shared purpose. The experience offered “powerful tools to develop my practice and connected me with the co-learning from nature.” It was “a transformative experience … an investment in both personal growth and professional excellence.” And, it was nothing short of life-changing: “The Methods of Participatory Design Lab was more than just a series of exercises—it was a space for creativity, reflection, and the nurturing of ideas.”
Closing
The Participatory Design Lab in Crete demonstrated how participatory methods, when combined with integral thinking and a supportive environment, can foster both personal transformation and collective growth. It was not only about learning new frameworks, but also about living them—through empathy, collaboration, and connection to each other and to nature.
This Lab was part of the Erasmus+ “Communities for Future” program.
