The concept involves providing individuals, often without formal design training, the opportunity to experience the responsibilities and creative processes inherent in the design profession for a limited duration. This immersive experience can range from participating in design workshops and brainstorming sessions to contributing to actual design projects under the guidance of experienced professionals. A company, for example, might invite customers to participate in a day-long workshop to help redesign a product interface, gathering feedback and fostering a sense of ownership.
Such initiatives are valuable for several reasons. They offer a unique perspective to design teams, introducing fresh ideas and insights from individuals outside the typical design sphere. This can lead to more user-centered and innovative solutions. Moreover, these experiences demystify the design process, fostering greater appreciation for the complexities and considerations involved. Historically, similar concepts have been employed in other professions to promote understanding and collaboration between different departments or to solicit external feedback on product development.
