A Failed Social Innovation Experiment in Rural China

This paper presents a failed experiment conducted as part of a PhD participatory action research. The experiment originally aimed to develop an experimental framework for fostering long-term sustainable development in villages by extending the impact of short-term design interventions. Throughout the experiment, a toolkit was designed and iterated three times. Results, however, differed significantly from expectations, leading to a temporary failure of the experiment. To reflect on this outcome and refine future approaches, a ‘Reflection-in action’ perspective was incorporated into the methodology. This paper explores the complexities of creating and sustaining legacies in design practices. It emphasises the need for flexibility and adaptability in village settings as opposed to relying on tools and linear approaches for fixing problems. Additionally, it examines both the tangible and intangible aspects of legacies and discusses the challenges organisers face in building upon legacies to create lasting impact.