Reflections on participatory design: lessons from the trillium experience

Abstract

In recent years system engineers, product designers, and human interface designers have become increasingly interested in developing ways of involving users in the design and evolution of computer-based systems. Some have turned for guidance and inspiration to an approach to systems design pioneered in Scandinavia and often referred to as Participatory Design. In this paper we examine the development of a computer-based design tool, Trillium, which on the surface looked like an example of Participatory Design in that users were directly involved in the development of the technology. Our analysis leads us to conclude, however, that Trillium's development departed in critical ways from our current model of Participatory Design and to suggest that the manner in which users are involved in the development effort plays an important role in the success of the endeavor.

The role of children in the design of new technology

“…By 1990, numerous papers and panels reflected this move toward embracing non-technical users and bringing them into the design process. Participatory Design, (Blomberg and Henderson 1990, Johnson et al 1990, Montford et al 1990) Heuristic Evaluation (Nielsen and Molich 1990) and Contextual Design (Wixon and Holtzblatt 1990) were all discussed in paper and panel sessions.…”

“…This belief has been heavily influenced by research practises over the past 20 years: the cooperative design of Scandinavia (Bjerknes et al 1987, Sundblad 1987, Greenbaum and Kyng 1991, the participatory design of the USA (Blomberg and Henderson 1990, Johnson et al 1990, Greenbaum 1993, Schuler and Namioka 1993 and the consensus participation of England (Mumford and Henshall 1979). As Greenbaum and Kyng (1991) have explained, 'We see the need for users to become full partners in the cooperative system development process….Full participation of (users) requires training and active cooperation, not just token representation' (1991: ix-1).…”

Painting the ideal home: using art to express visions of technologically supported independent living for older people in north-east England

“…Indeed, Venkatesh [29] warns: Don't assume that what the technology can do in the household is the same as what the household wants to do with the technology. A key tool in the design of user-centred systems is participatory design, or PD [5,6,10]. A central feature of PD is its focus on collaborating with users during the design and development of a product rather than simply designing a product with the particular users in mind [11].…”

Children's Involvement in the Design of Game-Based Learning Environments

“…The improved quality is not limited only to the application itself; especially participatory design emphasizes that the goal is to improve the quality of work life as a whole (Blomberg & Henderson 1990;Cherry & Macredie 1999). It has been stated that through participatory design it can be ensured that the solutions suit the users' ways of working and are considered useful (Cherry & Macredie 1999;Kensing & Blomberg 1998).…”

“…As stated in the subsection dealing with the quality of the product, in participatory design the focus of development is not solely on the technology but on the work environment as a whole (including the social and organizational aspects), the aim being to improve work practices (Blomberg & Henderson 1990;Cherry & Macredie 1999). Technology is just one part of the working environment.…”