Hybridization possibilities of two approaches: Participatory Design and User-Centered Design

Abstract

Participatory Design and User-Centered Design are two approaches commonly used when designing solutions. Both approaches involve users, albeit to a different degree across different phases of the design process. The recent shift enforced by COVID-19, brought the need that more activities are expected to be conducted online. In these circumstances, there are adaptation challenges in both approaches, especially for the Participatory Design. Technology mediation in the activities in both approaches brings overhead that makes the changes between them less obvious. Thus, in this paper we bring up for discussion a discourse of hybridization of these approaches as a way forward for online and distributed design processes. Furthermore, we present our initial thoughts regarding the possibilities that this might bring.

Keywords: Participatory Design, User-Centered Design, Online user participation, hybridization, adaptation

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1004573