Transformative Narratives: Fostering Ubuntu-Inspired Participatory Design Practices

Emerging within the diverse tapestry of African wisdom and knowledge, Ubuntu, a philosophy of shared humanity and interconnectedness, offers exciting pathways for transforming participatory design (PD) practices in the Global South. Beyond a mere call for inclusion, Ubuntu inspires decolonial approaches and has the potential for sustainable innovation in design that resonates with local contexts. While communal and indigenous philosophies have increasingly guided decolonial PD efforts, particularly in the Global South, Ubuntu presents a unique lens for embracing both practical methods and a shift towards interconnectedness as a design ethos. This exploratory paper proposes concrete Ubuntu-guided PD techniques, leveraging storytelling and shared narratives, to cultivate a deep sense of interconnectedness within PD research. By amplifying these modes of engagement, we pave the way for alternative, “otherwise” knowledge production and participatory approaches, and future explorations of other indigenous and decolonial philosophies in PD research.