Genuine co-design: an activity theory analysis involving emergency nurses in an interdisciplinary new product development project of a novel medical device
Journal article, 2021

This study analysed a series of workshops and explored prerequisites for interdisciplinary co-design among industrial designers, design engineers and users in the development of a novel medical device. Presented as a case study, this paper focus on what affects participants’ transformative processes towards genuine participation in co-design processes. Based on activity theory, we suggest that co-design activities have to support not only users, but all participants, shifting their perspectives beyond their own domain’s rules, motives, objects and division of labour, i.e., beyond their own activity system, to support users’ participation as equal members in design teams. We propose that genuine co-design requires a holistic approach where a neutral arena, an impartial facilitator, clear rules of play, along with representational artefacts as mediating tools in the formation of a new collective activity system to foster equality, mutual value and long-term knowledge generation. Such approach requires a process over time.

power distribution

mediating tool

facilitating user involvement

medical technology

activity theory

activity system

co-design

healthcare

interdisciplinary collaboration

Author

Siw Eriksson

Chalmers, Industrial and Materials Science, Design and Human Factors

Pontus Wallgren

Chalmers, Industrial and Materials Science, Design and Human Factors

Leif Sandsjö

University of Borås

Chalmers, Industrial and Materials Science, Design and Human Factors

Marianne Karlsson

Chalmers, Industrial and Materials Science, Design and Human Factors

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics

2045-7804 (ISSN) 2045-7812 (eISSN)

Vol. 8 4 331-369

Subject Categories

Social Sciences Interdisciplinary

Other Humanities

Other Medical and Health Sciences

Areas of Advance

Health Engineering

DOI

10.1504/IJHFE.2021.119054

More information

Latest update

6/15/2023