Abstract
This paper discusses a workshop method suitable for use in projects with a participatory design approach. Participatory design is sometimes criticised for focussing too much on what users say. The method described here takes that into account by having users not only talk, but also do acting and make lo-fi prototypes. The method has been used in several different projects. The structure of the workshops is designed to enable the participants to express themselves by saying, doing and making. People express different aspects through different channels and by enabling people to express themselves not only by talking but also by acting and constructing artefacts we create a richer understanding of their needs and desires as well as their context and situation. The method often gives ‘good’ results that are foundations for further design work.
Keywords
design process, human centered design, methods & tools for idea generation, participatory design, workshops (for generating understanding of the design space)
Citation
Westerlund, B. (2006) How can stories get translated into future artefacts?, in Friedman, K., Love, T., Côrte-Real, E. and Rust, C. (eds.), Wonderground - DRS International Conference 2006, 1-4 November, Lisbon, Portugal. https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/drs-conference-papers/drs2006/researchpapers/54
How can stories get translated into future artefacts?
This paper discusses a workshop method suitable for use in projects with a participatory design approach. Participatory design is sometimes criticised for focussing too much on what users say. The method described here takes that into account by having users not only talk, but also do acting and make lo-fi prototypes. The method has been used in several different projects. The structure of the workshops is designed to enable the participants to express themselves by saying, doing and making. People express different aspects through different channels and by enabling people to express themselves not only by talking but also by acting and constructing artefacts we create a richer understanding of their needs and desires as well as their context and situation. The method often gives ‘good’ results that are foundations for further design work.