From User-Centered to Participatory Design Approaches [pdf]
From User-Centered to Participatory Design Approaches
Elizabeth B.-N. Sanders
SonicRim
Abstract
There is a shift in perspective occurring today at the collaborative edge of design and social
science. It is a change from a user-centered design process to that of participatory
experiences. It is a shift in attitude from designing for users to one of designing with users.
It is a new design movement (that we call Postdesign) that will require new ways of thinking,
feeling and working. Participatory experience is not simply a method or set of
methodologies, it is a mindset and an attitude about people. It is the belief that all people
have something to offer to the design process and that they can be both articulate and
creative when given appropriate tools with which to express themselve
