Participatory Design Qualities

Draw a picture of a program or space that you have enjoyed attending.

Who was there, what were you doing, what do you remember most fondly? 

Describe the qualities of that program.

Can you recognize any participatory design qualities in that program or space? What other qualities or values informed that program?

Participatory Design Qualities:

1. Everyone Holds Knowledge: Centering Strengths

What it looks like in a program:

• Avoid prioritizing certain forms of engagement

• Provide moments of authentic choice in project work

• Infuse storytelling as a practice in the program

• Value expertise in all its forms

2. Trust Takes Time: Committing to Relationship-Building

What it looks like in a program:

• Include unstructured time in the program

• Offer multi-session programs

3. Clear the Way: Making It Possible to Show Up

What it looks like in a program:

• Offer programs in convenient locations

• Provide meals or snacks, childcare, translation, or other barrier-reducers

• Scaffold modes of participation for varying ages, abilities, interests, etc

4. We’re in this Together: Developing Mutual Responsibility

What it looks like in a program:

• Model your own learning

• Facilitate skill-sharing between participants

• Ask: How do we learn together?

• Establish group norms

5. There’s More than One Way: Embracing Fluid Roles

What it looks like in a program:

• Reflect on identities and skills in development

• Think through how role fluidity can emerge

• Maintain porous roles from a place of trust and understanding

• Customize support levels and styles

From Learning from Each Other: Intergenerational Learning with Storytelling and STEM

by Ashley Braun, Amy Twito, Rekha Kuver, Carrie Tzou