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Title of the thesis: Prototyping for service – collaborative, transformative and translational practice

Thesis defender: Jaana Hyvärinen
Opponent: Prof. Johan Blomkvist, Linköping University, Sweden
Custos: Prof. Tuuli Mattelmäki,Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture

This doctoral research demonstrates that prototyping is not merely a design method or a stage in a project but a practice that links research and design while strengthening the ability of service networks, systems, and organisations to renew themselves.

Understanding complex and systemic problems and developing solutions require continuous adaptation to changes in the operating environment and the ability to influence them. It is also essential to establish practices that enable actors, from individual organisations to large, complex service networks, to explore new opportunities for value co-creation both independently and collaboratively. This study shows that prototyping can function as such a practice, supporting collaboration, shared understanding, and transformation within and across service systems.

The thesis draws on three empirical cases: (1) the development of a collaborative service network for the elderly and their caregivers in a Finnish municipality, (2) service prototyping in a social emergency service for families with children, and (3) a service innovation project in a global B2B manufacturing company exploring B2C services. In these contexts, prototyping helped overcome organisational boundaries, integrate knowledge from different fi elds, and create shared visions of future services.

The findings show that prototyping:
• enhances value co-creation within and between service systems through transformative collaboration,
• facilitates the evolution of service systems through collaborative transformation, and
• intertwines research and design as a translational practice.

This research contributes new knowledge on how prototyping can act as a strategic practice that supports continuous renewal of service systems and enables organisations to design services sustainably in rapidly changing environments. The results offer practical insights for organisations and designers seeking to leverage prototyping to strengthen collaboration and adaptability while fostering value co-creation across service systems.

Keywords: prototyping, service systems, value co-creation, collaboration, transformation, design

Contact: jaana.hyvarinen@aalto.fi

Thesis available for public display 7 days prior to the defence at .