This course is intended to support a PhD student’s in-depth investigation into the effective use of user-centred design techniques- with a specific focus on participatory design- for the design of software, including mobile applications. The course is designed to guide the student to conduct a comprehensive environmental scan of issues concerning the use of user-centred (and particularly participatory) design methods in order to attain a deep understanding of this field which the instructor has chosen as a focus within her PhD research. Throughout the course, existing applications of user-centred and participatory design methods will be examined and their efficacy will be critically assessed.