Silences and sensibilities: increasing participation in IT design

Authors:
Christina Mörtberg;Dagny Studedahl
Affiliations:
University of Oslo, Blindern, Oslo, Norway;University of Oslo, Blinder, Oslo, Norway
Venue:
Proceedings of the 4th decennial conference on Critical computing: between sense and sensibility
Year:
2005

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Abstract

This paper focuses on challenges of heterogeneous knowledges in participatory design. How are different experiences and knowledge negotiated in participatory design processes and how can the design process maintain sensitivity towards the subtle aspects of negotiation of knowledges? The paper reports from two design projects, the first related to design of ICT-based learning environments for workplaces in Norway and the second a research project with middle managers and care assistants from social services departments in the public sector in Sweden. As a main argument the paper focuses on the role of silence in the negotiation of knowledge. Sensitivity in design should then as well be directed towards the silent and invisible aspects of the design process, because they can be as important for the participation and design outcome.