Participatory design and international development.

Information and communication technologies (ICT) are increasingly being considered as ways to support international development efforts, whether in the form of information systems for clinics and hospitals, telecentres or kiosks providing access to internet information resources and e-government services in remote areas, or advice services to support improved agricultural practices and crop management. In doing this work, participatory approaches are commonly espoused, but, as participants in PDC will realize, translating verbal commitments into meaningful participatory realities is a complex challenge requiring critical reflection and careful examination of our practice. This is even more apparent in contexts where there are large cultural and socio-economic differences between practitioners and other participants. Some authors have questioned whether 'established' participatory design methods are effective for this type of work.