Participatory Design in Different Contexts: Understanding the role of the facilitator

Abstract

Participatory Design is a design method that includes the end users in technology design. While there are studies that examine the implementation of PD methods in both Library and Information Science and Human Computer Interaction research, existing studies lack an examination of how participant groups are created and maintained. This study contributes to understanding 1) how the skills of participatory design are first taught and learned while developing relationships for co-design 2) how participatory design projects are maintained and 3) how participatory design projects are enhanced by working with different cultures. By understanding how PD is taught and learned among different stakeholders, how projects are maintained and how we expand by creating a culturally inclusive environment, we will be opening more spaces where people can be a part of co-designing future technology that meets their needs.In order to answer the research questions, I examine three case studies of 1) a class that taught participatory design in libraries 2) how we transitioned to the online space to sustain the partnership and 3) how researchers expanded the project by working with children at the welfare center in Korea. In each case my focus shifts to how PD is learned and partnership is developed, how it is maintained and how we expand. This research expands our knowledge of how we teach our students to work with the community and ways we develop community partnership, how researchers and practitioners can continue to support projects for the community growth and well-being, and how researchers can be more culturally aware in working with diverse users. I aim to address three main themes in the dissertation: public spaces, onlines spaces and cultural awareness. By understanding the role of the facilitator, we can improve how we work with end-users and our overall practices with regards to inclusivity and diversity in technology design.