participatory design-a brief overview

Participatory design has its roots in the computer workplaces of the Skandinavien region of northern Europe in the 1970s. The computer application at that time was such a scene: the host computer in the computer centre controlled the application of technology, and technicians in whitework robes guarded the host computer, carried out text input and output, and carried out primary communication between software. There is not much connection between the computer development process and the end-user. The development and upgrading of new information technology, originally designed to improve work efficiency, created barriers for workers, triggering labour protests about "disempowerment" in the 1970s. After that, researchers gradually realised that the efficiency of computer use depends on the user's understanding of the application. Software designers need to gain insight into users and invite users to participate in the design process as dynamic participants to give feedback on the software's rationality and ease of use to optimise the system. "Participation" became an essential remedy for low productivity, high absenteeism, low quality, and conflict between jobs.
The participatory design does not agree with Taylorism, which crudely standardises workplace and work behaviour through so-called scientific management. Taylor created a theoretical system of scientific management, known as the "Taylor system". Taylor put his theory to the test at the Bethlehem Steel Company from 1898 to 1901, with great success. it affirms the value of users' tacit knowledge and believes that users' activities and knowledge can play an active role in the process of new design iteration. Therefore, Nordic scholars are seeking a third way that might allow workers to benefit from the development of technology and the automation of tedious and repetitive tasks. At the same time enabling them to use their own experience, expand their skills, and respond more proactively to technological changes. Participatory design can allow software developers and workers to jointly develop and improve new technologies. Workers are more likely to maintain their initiative and enthusiasm in working scenarios. Participatory design is constantly evolving and has now spread all over the world. Its application areas have also expanded, from the latest workplace technologies to almost all design types, such as architecture, space, products, and services. Today, participatory design is regarded as a process involving the entire design phase (understanding, evaluating, providing choices, making decisions, reflecting, and improving). Designers, users, and other relevant stakeholders develop objects, environments, systems, and processes. Moreover, the process of participatory design is iterative. In the process of mutual learning, communication, and interaction between researchers, designers, and users, all participants constantly examine the design's influence and utility and make corrections where required.