This course for PhD students provides an introduction to contemporary Participatory Design as a particular field of interdisciplinary research and practice. Participatory Design grew out of a concern for democracy and empowerment of users in the development and implementation of digital technology in the workplace. Today, the political values and ambitions of mutual learning through engagement and democratic innovation tunnels the field into diverse settings and challenges of society and the planet.
Participants will be introduced to contemporary agendas regarding user participation in the development of new digital technologies, and the diversification of Participatory Design to new domains and global regions. During three days (and 6 modules) the participants will be introduced to themes and contemporary PD agendas by researchers engaged in developing the field. In addition, participants will be part of lectures that interconnect participatory research, innovation and everyday practices specific to the regional Indian context.
Sessions will take point of departure in recent literature on Participatory Design, including the Routledge International Handbook of Contemporary Participatory Design (2025), to address themes such as: the politics, scaling and impact of participation projects and initiatives, artefact-mediated innovation and participatory design, decolonisation and pluriversal co-design with communities, participatory approaches to AI and sustainable futures.
Accepted candidates will be required to bring a printed poster of their research for collaborative work at the seminar, and to do course readings on Participatory Design prior to the seminar.
Attending the seminar is free of charge. Accommodation and food will be provided by IIT Bombay. Funding for travel and other necessities is at the own expense of the candidates’ institutions.
To apply, please fill the Google Form: https://forms.gle/if4tgZA7hXMzEKqFA