Thirteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

Participatory design is a well-recognised approach invented around European countries since the 1960s. The origin of is associated with a democratic approach in design process and often linked to social, political, and civil right movements. In the past fifty years, participatory design has grown and flourished in Western societies where voices and opinions are most likely to be taken into account. Design researchers worldwide have studied participatory design based on this Western perspective. However, when it is employed in community development studies in developing countries, its practice inevitably touches upon cultural differences. With respect to social and cultural contexts, design practitioners and researchers need, therefore, to realise nuances of heterogeneous practices of participatory design. This paper explores socio-cultural aspects in participatory design practices in low-income community in Bangkok, Thailand. One project conducted on packaging design for local-made products is chosen. This is to examine missing dimensions relating to Thai culture that are different from the Western frameworks. As outward expressions and disagreements are not common in Thai culture, it seems difficult to understand the local residents’ essential needs and work on the participatory design project. This study has found that socio-cultural aspects such as social status, micro politics, reciprocity, and seniority have some influences on the Participatory Design practices. This paper also points out some major concerns by which participatory design practitioners and researchers should consider when working with community-based projects in Thailand and probably in other areas in Southeast Asia.