In a unique blend of sociology, creative exploration and digital fabrication, the University of Oulu’s recent Critical ChangeLabs explored “Democracy in the Everyday” with participants aged 15-19, bringing new perspectives on civic engagement and societal issues. Organized in collaboration with a local school as part of a sociology course and with a local youth-oriented organization, the goal was to deepen the youth’s understanding of social structures and empower them to think critically about democracy through hands-on experiences and collaborative discussions.
The Critical ChangeLabs were arranged with the help of the university’s Fab Lab Oulu, a tech-forward space known for its array of digital manufacturing tools, such as laser cutters and 3D printers, allowing for innovative, practical learning. The teaching and research team featured experienced educators and multidisciplinary experts in media, design, and social sciences, ensuring youth gained rich, multifaceted insights into their topics of interest.
Setting the Stage: Onboarding and Building Trust
To kick off the Critical ChangeLab, youth attended an introductory pitch session at their organization, followed by an engaging onboarding session later on. These early meetings were designed to set expectations, introduce the concept of the Critical ChangeLab, and create an open, safe environment where the participants felt heard. Activities arranged at this stage included e.g. mood mapping exercises to tap into participants’ initial feelings and co-creating a code of conduct, which laid the groundwork for a positive and inclusive atmosphere throughout the process.
Diving Deep: Identifying and Analyzing Key Issues
The Critical ChangeLab’s core focus — Democracy in the Everyday — was broken down into thematic explorations defined by the youth themselves. Through brainstorming and mind-mapping exercises, participants chose to tackle topics like the marginalization of youth, polarization of society and the pressures created by social media. This phase focused on questioning societal norms and identifying the power dynamics and biases embedded in everyday interactions. Youth were guided by prompts and supported in visualizing their ideas using digital and physical mind maps, fostering a collaborative yet self-driven approach to learning.
CCLab Oulu – Participants working on their mind-maps during the session
Expanding Perspectives: Envisioning Change
As the youth progressed, they used tools such as actor mapping to trace relationships and influences among different societal actors. A highlight was the introduction of the Futures Triangle method, which pushed youth to envision potential futures by analyzing historical context, present-day trends, and aspirational outcomes. For example, one group exploring societal polarization mapped how current shifts, such as the rise of extreme political views, might evolve if left unchecked. Another group focused on youth marginalization and the impact of social status on exclusion risks.
Making Ideas Tangible: A Creative Transformation
For many participants, the most memorable aspect of the Critical ChangeLab was creating personalized artifacts at Fab Lab Oulu. Guided by instructors, the youth transformed their insights into visual and textual messages using Inkscape 2D design software. The designs were then either vinyl-cut and pressed onto canvas bags, or laser-cut and assembled as jewelry with a statement. This hands-on activity provided an empowering opportunity to translate abstract ideas into tangible expressions of advocacy, underscoring Critical ChangeLab’s commitment to bridging thought and action.
CCLab Oulu – Different phases of designing and digitally fabricating the messages the participants wanted to advocate for.
CCLab Oulu – Different phases of designing and digitally fabricating the messages the participants wanted to advocate for.
CCLab Oulu – Different phases of designing and digitally fabricating the messages the participants wanted to advocate for.
CCLab Oulu – Different phases of designing and digitally fabricating the messages the participants wanted to advocate for.
Reflection and Takeaways: Beyond the Classroom
The final stages of the process included a reflective deep dive into the Critical ChangeLab journey. Through visual learning maps and group discussions, youth shared their favorite moments and constructive feedback. For example, in the sessions organized in the context of the school sociology course, many noted that while the Critical ChangeLab exceeded their initial expectations, clearer guidelines could have enhanced their experience. Participants appreciated the freedom to explore independently and valued the open, university-based environment that contrasted with traditional school dynamics.
While the impact of the Critical ChangeLab on broader social change may be difficult to measure in such a short timeframe, the participating youth expressed newfound confidence in discussing social issues with their peers. They also highlighted the need for more spaces where diverse perspectives could be constructively shared — an essential insight given today’s polarized climate.
A Path Forward: Everyday Acts of Democracy
Critical ChangeLab Oulu exemplified how education can go beyond textbooks, fostering practical engagement and critical thinking among youth. By transforming ideas into artifacts and experiences into advocacy, the youth took small but meaningful steps toward understanding their role in shaping democratic dialogue. As they take these lessons back to their communities, they represent the potential for change rooted in curiosity, creativity, and conversation. This underscores an important lesson: Democracy thrives not just in grand speeches or political arenas but in the everyday actions and reflections of young minds willing to ask questions and seek solutions.
Heidi Hartikainen on behalf of Critical ChangeLab Oulu
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