18th PDC 2024 Conference

18th Participatory Design Conference Theme: Reaching Out: Connecting Beyond Participation

Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia

12 - 16 August 2024

01

Participatory Design is about the direct involvement of people in the co-design of the technologies they use. Its central concern is how collaborative design processes can be driven by the participation of the people affected by the technology designed.

It has a focus on enabling communities to take charge and shape their own future by facilitating the concept of multidisciplinary collaboration in practical ways. PD brings together the members of two communities: designers and users, who both advocate and adopt distinctively participatory approaches in the development of information and communication artefacts, systems, services, and technology.

Participatory Design Conferences (PDC) have been held every two years since 1990 and have formed an important venue for international discussion of the collaborative, social, and political dimensions of technology innovation and use. PDCs bring together a multidisciplinary and international group of software developers, researchers, social scientists, managers, designers, practitioners, users, cultural workers, activists and citizens who both advocate and adopt distinctively participatory approaches in the development of information and communication artifacts, systems, services and technology. A central concern has always been to understand how collaborative design processes can be driven by the participation of the people affected by the technology designed.

18th Participatory Design Conference 2024

02

1990

1994

1998

2002

2006

Seattle, WA, USA 1st Participatory Design Conference, 31 March - 1 April 1990.

Chapel Hill, NC, USA 3rd Participatory Design Conference, 27 October - 28 October 1994.

Seattle, WA, USA: Broadening Participation 5th Participatory Design Conference, 12 November - 14 November 1998.

Malmö, Sweden: Inquiring into the Politics, Contexts and Practices of Collaborative Design Work 7th Participatory Design Conference, 23 June - 25 June 2002.

Trento, Italy: Expanding Boundaries in Design 9th Participatory Design Conference, 1 August - 5 August 2006.

1992

1996

2000

2004

MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA 2nd Participatory Design Conference, 6 November - 7 November 1992.

Cambridge, MA, USA 4th Participatory Design Conference, 13 November - 15 November 1996.

New York, NY, USA: Designing Digital Environments 6th biennial Participatory Design Conference, 28 November - 1 December 2000.

Toronto, Canada: Interweaving Media, Materials and Practices 8th Participatory Design Conference, 27 July - 31 July 2004.

18th Participatory Design Conference 2024

03

2008

2012

2016

2020

Bloomington, Indiana: Experiences and Challenges 10th Participatory Design Conference, 1 October - 5 October 2008.

Roskilde, Denmark: Embracing New Territories of Participation 12th Participatory Design Conference, 12 August - 16 August 2012.

Aarhus, Denmark: Participatory Design in an Era of Participation 14th Participatory Design Conference, 15 August - 19 August 2016.

Manizales, Colombia: Participation(s) Otherwise 16th Participatory Design Conference, 15 June - 19 June 2020.

2010

2014

2018

2022

Sydney, Australia: Participation :: the Challenge 11th Participatory Design Conference, 29 November - 3 December 2010.

Windhoek, Namibia: Reflecting connectedness 13th Participatory Design Conference, 6 October - 10 October 2014.

Hasselt and Genk, Belgium: Participatory Design, Politics and Democracy 15th Participatory Design Conference, 20 August - 24 August 2018.

Newcasle, UK: Embracing Cosmologies: Expanding Worlds of Participatory Design 22nd Participatory Design Conference, 19 August - 1 September 2022.

18th Participatory Design Conference 2024

04

Past PDCs Events

18th Participatory Design Conference 2024

05

of accepted/submitted submissions of past PDC (2018 - 2020) PDC 2018

PDC 2020

PDC 2022

17/67

Full Papers

31/101

Full Papers

20/74

Full Papers

26/123

Exploratory Papers

35/133

Exploratory Papers

32/84

Exploratory Papers

N/A

Places

N/A

Places

16/18

Places

13/34

Workshops and Tutorials

12/27

Workshops and Tutorials

17/26

Workshops and Tutorials (10 Ncl, Online, 7 in Places)

15/29

Situated Actions

15/20

Situated Actions

8/8

Situated Actions 4 Accepts, 4 Provisional)

11/20

Doctoral Colloquium

22/42

Doctoral Colloquium

19/19

Doctoral Colloquium

3/3

Beyond Academia

18th Participatory Design Conference 2024

10 06

of Workshops and Tutorials, Explatory Papers, and Full Papers of Past PDC

PDC 2018

19%

PDC 2020

31%

25%

EXP L ATORY PAP ERS

F U L L PAPE R S

38%

WO R KSH O PS AND T U TO R I ALS

18th Participatory Design Conference 2024

PDC 2022

27%

F UL L PA P E RS

FULL PAP ERS

26%

E X P L ATORY PA P E R S

38%

44%

W ORK S H OP S AND T UTOR I A L S

E X P L ATORY PA P ERS

65%

WORKS H OP S AN D TUTORIALS

07

18th Participatory Design Conference 2024

Introduction to

We are delighted to invite you to participate in the upcoming Participatory Design Conference 2024, to be held in Malaysia from 12 - 16 August 2024.

Over the past three decades, the Participatory Design Community has been at the forefront of research and change initiatives aimed at promoting democratic values and allowing organizations and societies to develop based on a broad set of opinions and stakeholders.

The emerging Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have played a vital role in both supporting and challenging participatory design initiatives. They offer powerful tools for change, but also present significant obstacles to maintaining democratic values. The arenas around this duality of ICT potentials have changed and diversified over time.

In many regions of the world, access to participation infrastructures - both technological and non-technological - continues to be a challenge. In other regions, issues of investment in and success with change initiatives are tightly connected with living socio-technical infrastructures, ranging from Open-Source-Platforms to Makerspaces and Social Media.

18th Participatory Design Conference 2024

08

09

We aim to explore how participatory design can bridge the gap between different stakeholders and communities, and promote meaningful and sustainable change. We encourage you to submit papers, posters, workshops, demos, and panels that address this theme.

We invite submissions on a wide range of topics related to participatory design, including but not limited to: Co-design processes and methods.

Participatory design in different domains, such as health, education, and social innovation.

Ethics and social responsibility in participatory design.

Participatory design and technology, including AI, IoT, and VR. Participatory design and sustainability.

Participatory design and social justice.

18th Participatory Design Conference 2024

We also welcome contributions that explore the following sub-themes: Reaching out to underrepresented groups in participatory design processes.

Building bridges between academic researchers, practitioners, and community members.

Exploring the potential of participatory design to connect different domains, such as art and science, or technology and culture.

Using participatory design to connect different geographies and cultures, and promote cross-border collaboration.

Leveraging participatory design to address global challenges, such as climate change or social inequality.

All submissions will be peer-reviewed and selected based on their relevance, originality, and quality. Accepted papers and other contributions will be published in the conference proceedings and made available in the ACM Digital Library.

The conference will feature keynote speakers, paper and poster sessions, workshops, and other interactive formats that encourage dialogue and collaboration among participants. Additionally, we will organize social and cultural events to showcase the beauty and diversity of Malaysia.

Theme

10

The Participatory Design Community now looks back on three decades of research and change initiatives to allow organizations and societies to develop based on a broad set of opinions and stakeholders. In this time, the emerging Information and Communication Technologies have been both a challenging arena to maintain democratic values and an important set of tools to support initiatives for change.

The arenas around this duality of ICT potentials have changed and diversified.

In many regions of the world, access to participation infrastructures-technological as well as non-technological continues to be a challenge, while in other regions issues of choice of investment in and success with change initiatives are tightly connected with living socio-technical infrastructures from Open-Source-Platforms over Makerspaces and Social Media.

18th Participatory Design Conference 2024

11

Phenomena of and challenges for participation as a democratic foundation of the organization of mankind has grown past ritual modes of involving the underprivileged in (technological) projects and decisions they are affected by. It has turned into a continuous effort to improve the capacities to act towards change in an informed way. PD has been very much in the realm of academics, and practitioners, such as in areas of user experience, user interface design, and moved into areas such as ICT4development.

Yet there should be awareness and understanding from the different sectors, not only, academia and industry, also from government, NGOʼs and the general public.

Creating that understanding especially amongst non-traditional “connoisseurs” of PD, such as, government, will help to develop products and services which promote equity, fairness, diversity besides improving effectiveness efficiency and usability.

This engagement also helps in creating opportunities to involve communities who may be underserved, such as, rural communities and poor neighbourhoods.

The capacity to find ideas, orientation, and advice for change initiatives can be improved by many academic disciplines and discourses and by experiences with a large variety of change practices and domains. It requires technological tools, interfaces, and skills as well as experiences in the social practice of communication, coordination, and community building.

18th Participatory Design Conference 2024

It requires awareness of the political context as well as an attitude of sensitivity towards stakeholder interactions and conflict potentials.

Most importantly, it requires considerations and reflections beyond the notion of participatory design as a methodology in singular projects, but as a driver in setting agendas in technology developments (such as AI), considering technical opportunities and constraints, in an effort to establish resilient initiatives and communities of change, with societal impact.

Thus, the PDC 2024 in Malaysia aims at growing new alliances with research communities and stakeholders and practitioners that allow for a structured exchange to inform change initiatives – local and global. In an effort to re-shape participation at the conference, new communication, funding and presentation models will be explored to create connections with related academic, activists as well as practitioners and interested people and communities.

12

Conference Chairs

Programme Chairs

Full Papers Chairs

Tariq Zaman University of Technology Sarawak, Malaysia

Rogério Abreu de Paula International Business Machines Corporation (IBM)

Margot Brereton Queensland University of Technology, Australia

Heike Winschiers-Theophilus Namibia University of Science & Technology, Namibia

Vincenzo DʼAndrea University of Trento, Italy

Amanda Anne Geppert University of Chicago, USA

Short and Exploratory Papers Chairs

Publication Chairs

Workshops Chairs

Kasper Rodil Aalborg University, Denmark

Chiara Del Gaudio Carleton University, Canada

Naska Goagoses Carl von Ossietzky Universitat Oldenburg, Germany

David Lamas Tallinn University, Estonia

Mika Yasuoka Jensen Roskilde University, Denmark

Asnath Paula Kambunga University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Daniel Tan Yong Wen University of Technology Sarawak, Malaysia 18th Participatory Design Conference 2024

13

Industry Chairs

Community Chairs

Doctoral Colloquium Chairs

Daria Loi AntiVirus Advanced SeT (Avast)

Colin Stanley Namibia University of Science & Technology, Namibia

Rachel Charlotte Smith Aarhus University, Denmark

Eunice Sari UX Indonesia, Indonesia

Gary Loh Chee Wyai University of Technology Sarawak, Malaysia

Maurizio Teli Aalborg University, Denmark

Chris Muashekele Aalborg University, Denmark

Marcus Foth Queensland University of Technology, Australia

Garen Jengan Long Lamai Community, Malaysia

Leonardo Parra-Agudelo Universidad de los Andes, Colombia

Situated Action and Exhibition Chairs Lizette Reitsma Malmö University, Sweden

Emily Crompton Manchester Metropolitan University, UK

Nuraini Binti Daud University of Technology Sarawak, Malaysia 18th Participatory Design Conference 2024

Uariaike Mbinge Omukuendata Matriclan and Okoto Patriclan, Otjisa, Namibia

14

Artful Integration Chairs

Student Volunteer Chairs

Communication Chairs

Joyce Yee Northumbria University, UK

Marly Muudeni Samuel Glasgow School of Art, UK

Mariacristina Sciannamblo Sapienza University, Italy

Lale Dilbas Dokuz Eylul University, Turkey

Mela Bettega University of Lisbon, Portugal

Yang Bong University of Nottingham, UK

Participation Chairs

Places Chairs

Social Media and Website Chairs

Yoko Akama RMIT University, Australia

Reem Talhouk Northumbria University, UK

Cheng Haw Yih University of Technology Sarawak, Malaysia

Jaydon Farao University of Cape Town, South Africa

Shaimaa Lazem SRTA-City, Egypt

Michael Chamunorwa Carl Von Ossietzky Universität, Germany

18th Participatory Design Conference 2024

15

Borneo

The Host Island Borneo is the world's third-largest island, located in Southeast Asia and shared by three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. The island is home to one of the most ancient rainforests on earth, which is over 130 million years old. Borneo's rainforest is known for its unique flora and fauna, including the iconic orangutan, proboscis monkey, and pygmy elephant. Borneo is also famous for its diverse and vibrant indigenous cultures, each with their own traditions, languages, and beliefs. Borneo is a must-see destination for anyone interested in exploring the natural beauty and cultural richness of Southeast Asia.

Malaysia

The Host Country Malaysia is a vibrant and multicultural country located in Southeast Asia, known for its natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and friendly people. The country is divided into two parts: Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (located on the island of Borneo). Malaysia offers visitors a diverse range of experiences, from modern cities and tropical islands to ancient rainforests and traditional villages.

18th Participatory Design Conference 2024

16

Sarawak

Sabah, Malaysia

The Host State Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia, located on the island of Borneo. It is known for its diverse indigenous cultures, ancient rainforests, and stunning natural beauty. The state is home to over 40 different ethnic groups, with a significant portion of the population identifying as indigenous. Visitors to Sarawak can experience their unique customs, traditions, and cuisine, including the famous kek lapis, a layered cake that comes in a variety of flavors and designs. With its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, Sarawak is a fascinating destination that offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors.

Brunei Darussalam

Sarawak, Malaysia Sibu, Sarawak

Kalimantan, Indonesia

18th Participatory Design Conference 2024

17

Sibu

The Host City Sibu is a vibrant city located in Sarawak, Malaysia, on the banks of the Rajang River. It is known for its bustling markets, delicious food, and rich cultural heritage. What makes Sibu truly unique, however, is its diverse population of indigenous communities who have lived in the Rajang River Basin for generations. More than 15 ethnic groups call this region home, including the Iban and Melanau. These communities have their own unique cultures, traditions, and ways of life that visitors can experience firsthand by visiting their traditional longhouses, attending cultural events, or trying their local cuisine. The Rajang River Basin is also home to some of the oldest rainforests in the world, offering visitors the opportunity to explore stunning natural landscapes and encounter rare wildlife. With its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, Sibu is an ideal destination to host your conference.

18th Participatory Design Conference 2024

18

University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) The Host Institution

The University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) is a full-fledged university located in Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia. It was established in 2012 as the University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) and was upgraded to a university in 2021. UTS is wholly owned by the State Government of Sarawak through Yayasan Sarawak (Sarawak Foundation). UTS is committed to providing students with affordable world-class university education that nurtures creative and entrepreneurial leaders through a broad education in science and technology. UTS offers 34 programs under six schools, with an emphasis on developing programs in collaboration with industries, local communities, government policy institutions and local and international organizations. It has produced over 2,600 graduates with an average employability rate of 99.1%, making it one of the highest employability rates in Malaysia.

UTS also has six research centers contributing solutions to local challenges by employing science, technology and digital innovation towards achieving social, economic and environmental sustainabilityʼs. In the last Ten years, UTS has expanded its teaching roots to become a comprehensive research-intensive university.

18th Participatory Design Conference 2024

The UTS campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a unique post-modernist neo-futuristic architectural style. UTS is the first university in Malaysia to be awarded a Green Building Index "Platinum Index" rating and has participated in the UI Green Metric University Ranking since 2020.

Diverse educational pathways and the push for transdciplinary learning continue to reflect its role as a state-owned university, where novel pedagogies and teaching approaches such as community-based service learning are used. UTS is committed to enhancing teaching and learning, student welfare and research development for making Sarawak a developed state by 2030.

19

18th Participatory Design Conference 2024

Organisers

Sponsors

For further details about PDC 2024 and the call for papers visit the conference website:

pdc2024.org Associate Professor Dr. Tariq Zaman General Co-Chair of PDC 2024 University of Technology Sarawak

A: 1, Jalan University, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak

T: +6084-367 300

E: tariqzaman@uts.edu.my