Introduction to Participatory Design

Introduction to Participatory Design: Approach and Methodologies

Program Brief:

Participatory design is an important tool in the field of architecture and urban planning, especially in local community projects. It helps them to reach the best solutions to develop and build their environment. It pushes them as well to generate ideas that fit their needs, and it contributes to create places that they feel like they are a part of.

This three-day course welcomes architects, artists, entrepreneurs, researchers, and students of humanitarian and social studies to undertake this journey in learning relevant thinking, co-designing tools and techniques, participations, and user engagement methods. In order to further deepen their understanding, participants will be provided with practices and resources in order to fully assimilate the subject at hand. As a result, the participants will be ready to face any challenge by applying the methods and skills acquired in the context of real-life events.

Objectives:

• Defining and explaining the meaning of participatory design approach.
• Demonstrating the necessities of participatory design.
• Sharing the key tools, methods and recommendations on implementing participatory design and how to apply these methods in a professional manner.
• Practicing the key steps in order to create successful, people-centered outcomes that advantage the individuals, businesses and society as a whole.

Outcomes:

• How to engage identified stakeholders through participatory design tools and methods.
• Equip participants with skills that will help them visualize ideas by quick drawing and making techniques.