Participatory design: Issues and concerns

Reference: Kensing, F., & Blomberg, J. (1998). Participatory design: Issues and concerns. Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), 7(3-4), 167-185.

Abstract: We characterize Participatory Design (PD) as a maturing area of research and as an evolving practice among design professionals. Although PD has been applied outside of technology design, here we focus on PD in relation to the introduction of computer-based systems at work. We discuss three main issues addressed by PD researchers; the politics of design; the nature of participation; and method, tools and techniques for participation. We also report on the conditions for the transfer of “PD results” to workers, user groups, and design professionals that have characterized PD over time and across geopolitical terrains. The topic of the sustainability of PD within an organizational context is also considered. The article concludes with a discussion of common issues explored within PD and CSCW and frames directions for a continuing dialogue between researchers and practitioners from the two fields. The article draws on a review of PD and CSCW literatures as well as on our own research and practical experiences.

Comments: This is a highly influential paper (500+ citations) and is a must-read for those interested in Participatory Design. I found particularly interesting these ideas: "Among the activities of the work groups are developing a common understanding of the current relations between technology and the organization of work, exploring new organizational forms, formulating system requirements, and prototyping new systems… Equally important to the principles of organization are the issues of resource and time allocation... Responsibilities and accountabilities also vary depending on how projects are supported and initiated... There are also a variety of ways in which PD projects are initiated... Some PD projects are undertaken to explore specific technology possibilities while others have a more open-ended technology agenda"

"'Clement and Van den Besselar (1993) note that the experimental nature of most PD projects often leads to small-scale projects which are isolated from other parts of the organization. When the researchers leave, the participatory processes seldom diffuse to other organizational entities."