Aesthetic Suspension as Methodological Awareness in Action Research

Aesthetic suspension as a methodological approach in action research is introduced in this article, emphasizing the potentially both facilitating and frictional role of embodied, organisational, sensory knowing in co-researching change processes. Aesthetic suspension is a reflective, sensory process inspired by artistic practices, enabling participants to critically examine and reinterpret taken-for-granted assumptions and practices in an organised context. Grounded in traditional action research values of participation, democracy, and co-creation, the aesthetic, methodological approach fosters co-researching by integrating aesthetic awareness into practical contexts such as early childhood education and dementia care. Through two empirical examples, video-based explorations in ECEC and LEGO Serious Play® in dementia care, the article illustrates how aesthetic suspension can reveal organisational issues of pressing concern and encourage change worthwhile pursuing. The examples highlight how sensory engagement and reflection can enable participants to discover taken-for-granted practices, support collective learning, and facilitate meaningful change. Drawing on phenomenological theories, particularly the work of Løgstrup, the discussion emphasizes the interplay of sensory experience and organisational interpretation in professional practice. The findings lead to a discussion of integrating aesthetic methodologies into action research to address societal and organisational challenges, fostering collaborative knowledge creation. By enabling participants to immerse in sensory experiences and delay immediate judgments, aesthetic suspension provides a critical foundation for discovering new perspectives and achieving transformative outcomes in diverse fields.