When and how do we become a "user"
pp. 211-225
in: Samuli Pekkola (ed), Reframing humans in information systems development, Berlin, Springer, 2011Abstract
This chapter will begin with a critical examination of the thought of participation and representation in relation to the user concept in information systems design (ISD) theory and practice. The argument being put forward is that the thought of a participating representative user is problematic from several points of view. Firstly, the idea of a "user' automatically holds a power dimension since the users are identified by someone in the design process i.e. the user is not an active subject in the selection process. They are being categorized and defined by someone and consequently run the risk of becoming passive in the construction. Secondly, the user concept is closely coupled with a specific information technology development context. As such, certain interests are enclosed and others are left behind. In addition, the process of enclosure is largely in the hands of someone other than the user himself/herself. Finally, this implies that the power relation between the user and the someone referred to above, is not equally distributed; there exists different positions in relation to design processes that hold explanatory value to some of the complications we are facing in ISD practice.