Abstract
This study explores the integration of users into the design process. The research is related to participatory design and ‘designing for experiencing’. It challenges traditional designers to work closer with users. There are several projects done by adapting current participatory design tools and approaches into the new product-service development process. However, conflicts and misunderstanding about their contribution still exist. Thus, the aims of this research are (i) to investigate the functions of the participatory design tools by observing the interactive mechanisms between users and designers during the participatory or co-design process; and (ii) to study how and to what extent the user’s stories can be utilized to enhance the quality of innovative outcome in the participatory or co-design process. The research questions were explored with cultural probes imposed on industry-led participatory design workshop. Three pilot workshops were conducting in South Korea with the participation of two domestic users, one local designer and one facilitator. One case study was analysed. The initial findings showed the designer’s passive participation within the collaborative activities, but the users were very active. It seems that the designer’s inclination to the tangible aspects of the design might lead to the passive interaction during the workshop. These initial findings are directing future investigations toward the development of new participatory design tools which will be able to support active participation of both – users and designers.
Keywords
interaction, user-designer collaboration, story
Citation
Lee, J., Popovic, V., and Lee, K. (2006) Design For Experiencing and User Involvement in the Product-Service Development Process, 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/7
Design For Experiencing and User Involvement in the Product-Service Development Process
This study explores the integration of users into the design process. The research is related to participatory design and ‘designing for experiencing’. It challenges traditional designers to work closer with users. There are several projects done by adapting current participatory design tools and approaches into the new product-service development process. However, conflicts and misunderstanding about their contribution still exist. Thus, the aims of this research are (i) to investigate the functions of the participatory design tools by observing the interactive mechanisms between users and designers during the participatory or co-design process; and (ii) to study how and to what extent the user’s stories can be utilized to enhance the quality of innovative outcome in the participatory or co-design process. The research questions were explored with cultural probes imposed on industry-led participatory design workshop. Three pilot workshops were conducting in South Korea with the participation of two domestic users, one local designer and one facilitator. One case study was analysed. The initial findings showed the designer’s passive participation within the collaborative activities, but the users were very active. It seems that the designer’s inclination to the tangible aspects of the design might lead to the passive interaction during the workshop. These initial findings are directing future investigations toward the development of new participatory design tools which will be able to support active participation of both – users and designers.