Power and Design: Why Unions and Organization Matter

Abstract

Participatory design has sought to emphasize the need for including the user of systems in the full design process as equal partners. While this is an important step forward, it has not always included a full analysis of power in the workplace and society.Users need organization, not simply individual rights to participate. Real change will mean redistribution of power and that rarely takes place without an organized challenge to existing hierarchies and institutions. Designers can not be neutral on the issue of power inequality in the workplace.