Shifting Participatory Design Approaches for Increased Resilience

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Design Research
• Participatory Design

Background:

• Traditional User-Centered Design (UCD) methods, reliant on in-person interactions, were challenged by COVID-19 social distancing.
• Resource-intensive formal events like workshops and focus groups proved vulnerable to disruptions.
• A need emerged for more adaptable and resilient participatory design approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a methodological shift towards a dynamic and resilient UCD approach.
• To move beyond traditional, resource-intensive design events.
• To integrate continuous stakeholder input into the design process within a living lab ecosystem.

Main Methods:

• Developed a framework for user-centered data collection across Communication, Timing, and Presence dimensions.
• Shifted from discrete, in-person events to more continuous data collection methods.
• Utilized a living lab ecosystem to facilitate a fluid and sustainable approach.

Main Results:

• Expanded methodological options by varying interaction dimensions, increasing input diversity and sample recruitment.
• Enhanced the quantity and quality of collected data and design feedback.
• Lowered participation and knowledge-sharing thresholds for more inclusive stakeholder involvement.

Conclusions:

• The proposed dynamic UCD framework enhances resilience and adaptability in design processes.
• Continuous, diversified stakeholder input leads to more inclusive and effective design outcomes.
• This approach offers a sustainable model for user-centered design in evolving contexts.