Artifactual Relations in UCD

Mads Bødker

Abstract

This explorative article presents theoretical and methodological implications of User Centered Design (UCD) from a perspective of socio material-relations and a theory of performative artifacts. The process of “asking users” is rarely treated as a design artifact that can be interrogated in and of itself. The article introduces a perspective on UCD as a “material-relational activity”. Thus, through the lens of a failed workshop, the article takes a closer look at the shaping properties artifacts, and how artifacts interact and produce results.

 
Aug 29th, 9:00 AM Sep 1st, 5:00 PM

Artifactual Relations in UCD

This explorative article presents theoretical and methodological implications of User Centered Design (UCD) from a perspective of socio material-relations and a theory of performative artifacts. The process of “asking users” is rarely treated as a design artifact that can be interrogated in and of itself. The article introduces a perspective on UCD as a “material-relational activity”. Thus, through the lens of a failed workshop, the article takes a closer look at the shaping properties artifacts, and how artifacts interact and produce results.