Interacting with user data – Theory and examples of drama and dramaturgy as methods of exploration and evaluation in user-centered design

In this article, we discuss the application of drama and dramaturgy to user-centered product concept design (UCPCD) processes, aiming to create a more holistic approach to designing user experiences. We present the UCPCD process and its background, and a selection of interactive theater tools that can be applied to UCPCD. Through a case study we introduce a practical implementation of these tools to UCPCD. The paper concludes by suggesting guidelines for using drama and dramaturgy in concept design activities. The key finding is that drama methods deepen the designers’ involvement in the process and improve understanding of the user communities’ behavior.