Common & particular needs: A challenge to participatory design

Abstract

A design story about the design of a visualization for controllers who monitor IBM's controls process, provides the backdrop for reflections on the success of a participatory design process. The story illustrates that while the design process appears to lead to a successful general technical solution, the solution fairs less well when viewed from the perspectives of: support for evolving work practices, or support for the particular and contextual tasks of individuals. This leads us to reframe our participatory design process as the design and socialization of end-user programming tools.