Using participatory design research to help students propose and design new applications

Abstract

Great apps allow people to express themselves, improve their productivity, or connect them to loved ones. They solve problems that are at the core of human life. As we educate students about designing new digital experiences, we also have to instill in them the ability to investigate and identify tools that will truly impact people’s lives. Electives in web design can be a great way to introduce a design methodology to a wide variety of students. The use of simple participatory design methods can introduce methodological thinking to students to help them understand potential users’ real problems. In this paper, a case study will be shared about the use of participatory research methods within the context of digital design elective coursework. Examples of objectives and deliverables will be shared about the integration of these methods into course projects. From this paper, design educators can take away the ability to integrate participatory design learning outcomes into traditional web and application design projects. In addition, by using the documented approach, educators can provide their students with the ability to conceptualize realistic, useful, and potentially patentable new products in the context of their course.