Service design innovation for supporting the well-being of chinese transnational left-behind children in Italy

This study delves into the experiences of Chinese transnational left-behind children in Italy and proposes service innovations to support them. Transnational left-behind children, a global phenomenon, stem from economic disparities and labor mobility. After over 3 years of research in Italian Chinatowns and Chinese immigrant communities, the researcher analyzed social support networks using service design tools and Grounded Theory for qualitative analysis. Collaborating with relevant individuals, the researcher co-created issue cards and empathy maps, forming a comprehensive understanding of the children's situation. The study identifies two main limitations in the current Italian support system: it primarily aids self-motivated individuals, overlooking those lacking motivation or facing setbacks. Additionally, the Chinese immigrant community, influenced by a meritocratic culture, lacks widespread awareness of charitable efforts for disadvantaged groups. Drawing from field research, the study redefines the challenges faced by transnational Chinese left-behind children, emphasizing issues like lack of agency and learned helplessness. Redesigned research questions aim to enhance their self-agency through innovative service design, fostering a positive outlook on life and active participation. To address these issues, the study proposes the conceptual service of a social support platform named StoriaCità. It also introduces the concept of ‘Enabling Design’ to promote subjective agency and ego development, urging design researchers to focus on fostering users’ autonomy and potential, especially in cultures where purposelessness and disconnection prevail. Summarizing the research process as an Inclusive Service Design method tailored for minority groups, it integrates social sciences and design studies. By combining research findings from social sciences disciplines with the problem-solving capabilities of design, this approach aims to advance social equity and inclusivity in design interventions.