Participatory Design in Economic Terms: A Theoretical Discussion

Abstract

According to the fundamental principles of Participatory Design, active collaboration of the users in the design process of a computer system development should contribute to successful design and high quality products. In this paper, we discuss the economic impact of participation. We argue that organizational efficiency requires optimal use of both physical and human capital. A method that minimizes the information asymmetry in the development process is necessary for the maximation of benefits. Furthermore, if the intellectual capital of the participants increases and additionally, the process contributes to the development of a system that does not unexpectedly interfere with work routines, the method will diminish the ex-post transaction costs