From Barriers to Bridges
Visualizing inclusive pathways for preschoolers in ADI
Matilde Conti ¹, Maria Giulia Romano ¹, Michalina Fidos ², Mari Suoheimo ²
1 Politecnico di Torino; 2 Oslo School of Architecture & Design
KEYWORD
#systemic design #gigamapping
#inclusive museum #educational equity
ABSTRACT
This project explored how the ADI Design Museum in Milan can become more accessible to children aged 3–5 from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Using a systemic design approach, the project mapped the social, educational, institutional and economic factors shaping access to the museum and identified key leverage points for intervention. Developed with PACO Design Collaborative and a local kindergarten, the project translated these insights into opportunities for more inclusive museum experiences, while highlighting the need for future direct engagement with children and families.
CREATIVE PROCESS
The gigamap evolved through six overlapping phases, progressively building layers of detail and interpretation. We moved between analogue and digital media, using desk research, mapping and ZIP Analysis to explore the system and develop connections. A stakeholder workshop then helped us refine these insights and define the key issues to address.
IMPLICATIONS & NEXT STEPS
The project shows that making museums more accessible to preschoolers requires changes not only to activities, but also to relationships, communication, spaces, and institutional practices. The identified leverage points can support more welcoming and meaningful experiences at ADI, while offering transferable insights for other cultural institutions. Future work will involve children and families directly, bringing their experiences and perspectives into the research to validate, challenge, and further develop the insights identified in this study.
References
Ridge, T. (2006). Childhood poverty: A barrier to social participation and inclusion. Children, Young People and Social Inclusion: Participation for What?, Bristol, UK, pp. 22–38. https://doi.org/10.1332/policypress/9781861346629.003.0002
Määttä, K., Pääkkönen, K., Kotaniemi, S., & Suoheimo, M. (2024). Inclusive Education as a Wicked Problem: Introducing Systemic and Service Design Approach to Tackle the Challenge. International Journal on Social and Education Sciences, 6(3), 301–318. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijonses.677
Sevaldson, B. (2011). GIGA-Mapping: Visualisation for Complexity and Systems Thinking in Design. Nordes 2011 – Making Design Matter, Helsinki, Finland, 29–31 May. https://doi.org/10.21606/nordes.2011.015