Participatory Design

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with a deeper understanding of the key concepts of participatory design, where it comes from, and how it can be applied practically to project management to improve project outcomes.

Overview

• Participatory design is a design approach that includes users in system design

Roots

• Participatory design originated in Scandinavia in the 1970s

Application

Why it works

Opponent Processing

• Use opponent-process theory to illustrate how incorporating varying perspectives and developing a cooperative managerial frame through participatory design can lead to better outcomes.

Addressing Cognitive Bias

• Show how cognitive bias can negatively affect design process outcomes if participatory design is not applied.

When it works

• Investigate how participatory design is generally applied. What fields currently benefit from implementing these practices?

Transforming the Workplace

• Explore whether participatory design could be used effectively in the context of managing planned organizational change.

How to Start

• Give practical advice on how to incorporate participatory design in project management.

Limitations

• Present some of the contextual constraints affecting the application participatory design.

Social Factors: Anonymity

• Discuss the drawbacks of including large numbers of users through means other than direct (ideally face-to-face) communication.