Informed digital learning through social living labs as participatory methodology: The case of Food Rescue Townsville

Purpose This paper explores social living labs as a participatory methodology and context for fostering digital literacy and community wellbeing. This approach is examined through a case study of Townsville Food Rescue, a voluntary community organisation in North Queensland, Australia. Design Using qualitative case study methodology, the research investigated volunteers’ experience of a social living lab where they selected, installed and used open source Food Rescue Robot software. Findings The social living lab enhanced volunteers’ digital literacy and the organisation’s efficiency. The participatory nature and transformative intentions of social living labs are similar to action research as both promote social change through collaboration. Research limitations The case study is intentionally focuses on one community organisation to gain in-depth insights of a real life social living lab. Practical/social implications The findings model an innovative social living labs approach that contributes to community learning and wellbeing. They underpin a new framework for digital literacy development that integrates principles of informed learning and participatory action research. Thus, social living labs provide a learning context and approach that extend beyond digital skills instruction to a holistic process of using information to learn. They enable individuals to participate as digital citizens in the creation, curation and use of digital information. Originality/value The paper is of interest to researchers, information literacy educators and community groups. Theoretical insights and participatory practices of the Townsville Food Rescue case, and the proposed framework for informed digital learning through social living labs, are transferable to other communities.