(RE) NAMING THE PEOPLE AT THE CENTRE OF DESIGN PROCESS

While design methodology can be applied to ever-wider problems, 'people' remain the centre of design's focus. In this evolving landscape, it remains relevant to question which words should be used to refer to these people. While a wide range of words exist, each one can potentially influence or limit the way people are considered and are present in design process. Different terms suggest different levels of participation by those concerned, in an evolving context where more active roles are sought for the people concerned by design interventions. This paper discusses chronologies of accepted terminology for different people involved in design processes and highlights recent evolutions and debates around certain words. Based on literature reviews and in-depth interviews with design practitioners and researchers, seven issues around user/people terminology are identified and could constitute a basis for further research. This discussion paper aims to confront ambiguities and encourage considering appropriate, responsible language use in evolving design process. (Re)naming the people at the heart of design methodology has ethical implications and is particularly relevant in the design education context, influencing the status given to people involved in future design activity.