Meeting customer needs using participatory techniques

Abstract

I have used participatory design techniques on a number of projects, including the design of a GUI for a group meeting support system and the design of a multimodal information management tool. This technique has been used to scope functionality, produce a project plan, design the system, create and usability-test the user documentation, and facilitate best-practice principles in code review and software engineering. Using participatory methods has also facilitated team development and cohesion in a team that is geographically dispersed and consists of members from diverse backgrounds.