We're All Designers Here: Participatory Design in User Services Assessment

Abstract

User experience testing and design projects that lack consideration and thoughtful inclusion of all library users unintentionally create a disconnect between our intent to build welcoming services and spaces and the ultimate outcome of such projects. Participatory design sets out to center users in the design process by giving them ownership, embracing and celebrating their perspectives, and centering their knowledge and experience. Using these principles to expand our definition of expert and engage our library user community means that we are designing for actual need, rather than what we perceive their needs to be. This session introduces the principles of participatory design and their uses in evaluating and creating new ideas for access services. We will explore applications that encourage us to consider all users, breaking internal silos among library services, and bringing new perspectives to our work and the work of others.