Bridging the gaps: building on experience with participatory design

Abstract

This research investigates the role that Participatory Design (PD) in combination with Free/Libre and Open Source (FLOSS) software may take in enabling sustainable IT systems for not-for-profit organisations. I investigate the role of both the lived experience of participants and an experimental approach in PD in enabling mutual learning outcomes. Through the development of a casework application with and for a small community based organisation, learning outcomes that are essential for the ongoing adoption, evolution and maintenance of the software are observed including a move towards end-user customisation. Action Research provides inspiration for an inclusive and responsive research method.