The Generative Dialogue Framework and the Pursuit of Better Listening by Journalists: A Design-Centered Approach for More Constructive Conversations with Audiences

Abstract

This article introduces the Generative Dialogue Framework (GDF) and explores its potential as a pedagogical intervention, one that could help reimagine the future of engaged journalism by bringing design-thinking practices, creativity, and deep-listening modalities into play. The framework is developed through design thinking and builds around principles from the field of design. It uses virtual meeting technologies to organize small-group conversations, allows for creative and playful activities to help people share stories and feelings, and aims to create an ambient atmosphere of mutual understanding and co-creative problem-solving. With this article, we aspire to initiate a conversation around the value of “pollinating” journalism studies with concepts and principles from design thinking and facilitation so that journalists could become empowered to connect with their audiences with greater empathy and compassion and thereby surface diverse and rich lived experiences using more active and reflective listening skills. To test the framework’s potential for enhancing engaged journalism curricula, we collaborated with 17 journalism students at a U.S. university in a series of activities, from initial training on the platform to hosting a conversation using the GDF to ultimately producing a news story based on the insights acquired through this design-centered approach.