Learnings from Workplace User-Centered Design: the Case of a Media and Communication Company

Abstract

The paper presents a study of an industrial experience of user-centered design of an office accommodation and use. In order to design the future office of a large media company, several field studies, including observation of users' activities and workshops with users were conducted. The design team was composed of workplace consultants, an ergonomist, an architect and an office planner. Our case study highlights that the project narrative acts as boundary object in the design process. Our analysis raises issues on how to sustain the sense-making processes over time and across participants.