Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research

Hyysalo, S. & Lehenkari, J. (2002). Contextualizing Power in Collaborative Design. In T. Binder, J. Gregory & I. Wagner (Eds.), PDC 2002, Participatory Design Conference 23.-25.6.2002 (pp. 93-104). Malmö, Sweden: Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility.

Power relations are a major concern in participatory design (PD). We explore how power relations are played out in a commercial collaborative design project that has not been influenced by PD techniques or interests. The case reconfirms many of the underlying principles of PD in handling power. At the same time, our Foucault-inspired analysis of the contextual dynamics and hidden power structures in user practices suggests certain extensions and improvements to the analysis of power relationships in PD projects.