Note-taking as communication design: promoting democratic processes. Issue 6 (2nd November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reinig, Lydia; Sprain, Leah
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied communication research. Volume 47:Issue 6(2019)
• Page Start: 648
• Page End: 666
• Publication Date: 2019-11-02
• Subjects: Note-taking -- functions of notes -- democratic meeting design -- communication design logics -- public deliberation -- practical theory as engaged reflection; Electronic journals; Communication -- Periodicals; 302.2072
• DOI: 10.1080/00909882.2019.1690667
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0090-9882

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Whereas notes are ubiquitous to democratic meeting designs, note-taking practices within public participation processes remain taken-for-granted. We argue that note-taking is a communication practice that calls for cultivating expertise and critical reflexivity. Employing Communication as Design (CAD) we analyze communication design logics for note-taking active in public processes and the problems encountered enacting these design logics. CAD analysis illuminates four design logics underpinned by democratic values: notes as summary, data points, quotables, and critical voice. Building from this empirical analysis, democratic note-takers must be sensitive to the need for coordinating design logics to process goals; yet multiple design logics are often necessary to uphold multiple democratic values.