The use of the absent and othering in design and critical analysis of PD activities
Abstract
In this paper I explore the use of the concept representation and argue that it can complement the concept constituting in order to support the design and critical analysis of participatory design activities. John Law acknowledges that in a representation some things are made present, while others are deliberately made absent, which is necessary. But it is important to realise that there are also things that are Othered, i.e. things that are unconsciously repressed and absent. The concepts are explored with the help of two cases involving participatory design workshops. I discuss how both concepts can be used in order to make sense of these participatory design activities. The paper also reflects on the importance of what realities the method used supports to be made present.
