Design Participation via Artefacts

Abstract

Numerous artefacts are made in the design process in addition to the ‘end product’ – sketches, prototypes, specifications, mock-ups. Designers can also use artefacts to enable those likely to use or be affected by what they produce to be involved in the design process, which ensures that these stakeholders’ needs are accounted for in what is designed. Through a discussion of prototypes and two participatory design approaches I will propose distinctions between: designers’ intention in using artefacts in this manner; the character of those artefacts; and the form of stakeholders’ engagement with them.