End-user design in virtual worlds: Development of theory and virtual design environments

Abstract

Understanding end-users not merely as passive consumers of technology but as intelligent actors that can play an active role during the design of interactive technology has changed how technology is adopted and designed. The proposed research focuses on unpacking the transition points that define the steady involvement of novice end-users in technology design. Virtual world environments are chosen to study end-users engaged in design practices. The implementation of a virtual design environment for developing novel, human-centered design approaches is proposed. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.