Assembling fragments into continuous design: On participatory design with old people

Abstract

The paper takes a close look at a participatory design (PD) process with old users. We discuss how we organized and carried out the PD process so that they could participate in the mutual learning and co-construction activities on their own terms. We use the design of a radio to illustrate how the old users participated in the co-construction. We discuss some important topics to consider when organizing PD with old users: Recruiting, timing, continuity, representativity and immediacy.