The designer as mediator in higher education: Expanding roles in social design and project facilitation

This article examines the perceptions of master’s students in design and social innovation regarding the mediation practices taught in their programme, building on the framework established by Marie-Julie Catoir-Brisson and Marine Royer. It explores the interactions established with users and stakeholders and the skills utilized during co-design activities. By analysing the designer’s roles as facilitator, coordinator and translator of user experiences, this study underscores the importance of mediation in developing solutions that address complex social and environmental challenges. The findings contribute to understanding how mediation practices can better support designers in effectively undertaking these roles within multifaceted sociocultural and environmental contexts.