Integrating design processes and narrative approaches in career guidance: a model of Co-designing Career Narratives (CCN)

Design processes and narrative approaches are increasingly used in career guidance, yet their theoretical grounding and practical applications remain limited. This study critically examines the strengths and challenges of these approaches before presenting an integrated model—Co-Designing Career Narratives (CCN) to bridge theory and practice. Aligning design thinking’s action-oriented process with narrative therapy’s meaning-making techniques, CCN provides a structured approach to facilitating career exploration through narrative co-design. An in-depth case example demonstrates the model’s application for career development practitioners (CDPs) to support clients in managing career inquiries and gaining clarity.