Introducing co-design for digital technologies in rural areas

摘要

This article presents the preliminary results of an innovative experience of user involvement, which employs a methodology anchored in the Nordic participatory design tradition. The activities conducted cover early stages of the design process for electronic identity (elD) card applications in rural areas of Southern Spain. People Led Innovation (PLI) methodology is adopted in order to ensure that the technological solutions to be developed fit users' needs. PLI is a Human Centered Design (HCD) approach which combines Ergonomics and Emotional evaluation techniques (e.g. user experience testing) with participatory techniques (e.g. co-design sessions) in the context of the specific 'form of life' of potential users. Research results showed that this combination of techniques and approaches provides valuable information to guide the design of products and services adapted to the real context in which they are going to be used.