Community-based Participatory Design in the Third World

Abstract

This paper argues that participatory design (PO) approaches are of particular importance in the third world. Local adaptation of information systems, empowerment and the creation of local commitment and ownership through a participative process are issues of vital importance in third world computing. These are all central issues in a participatory design tradition. The participatory design tradition typically addresses the workplace while a third world environment typically consists of economically deprived communities where the majority might be without formal employment. This paper discusses how the participatory design tradition can be expanded in order to be adapted to third world conditions. In this context it is suggested that the community should become both a participant and an area of focus.