Enhancing engagement in STS research through alternative publication formats

In this reflection, we discuss an engaging activity undertaken as part of the three-year project " Shaping AI", which examines social and technical controversies (Marres, 2007; 2015: 2021) surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI). The activity gathered an extended peer community of experts (Funtowitcz and Ravetz, 1997) in AI including scholars, artists, and activists, to utilize our “shape-shifter” tool and reflect on current AI controversies in the UK. This tool equips participants with materials to analyse and reconsider AI debates and their societal implications (Gobbo et al., forthcoming; Poletti et al., 2023) using design and data-physicalization techniques (Jansen et al., 2015). Our documentation of the activity's progress through photography, audio recordings, and annotations captured the dynamic gestures and interactions among participants. Recognizing the value of multimodal materials, we explored alternative presentation methods, including the creation of an annotated portfolio inspired by Research Through Design methodologies (Gobbo et al., forthcoming; Poletti et al., 2023). These portfolios vividly articulate design connections through a blend of images and text providing a rich portrayal of the design process. (Bowers, 2012). However, despite the efficacy of annotated portfolios for a research-oriented audience, this paper delves into strategies for leveraging their hybrid content, enriched with diverse multimodal resources, to reach a broader audience (Lupo et al., 2021). By exploring mediums such as comics and zines, we aim to enhance both the understanding and engagement with our work. We envision these hybrid formats as bridges between STS research and the public, fostering broader participation in related initiatives.