Towards local design intentions: A reflection on participatory design with Indigenous Dayak people in East Kalimantan

Every design initiative begins with intention, and participatory design is no exception. Regrettably, prevailing discourse surrounding design intentions predominantly privileges the perspective of the researcher or designer, thus marginalising the design intentions articulated by local communities. Drawing from a participatory design research workshop focused on local health conducted within an Indigenous Dayak community in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, this paper critically examines the concept of niat (intention). It explores the participatory research process and the underlying intentions that guide it. Additionally, this paper presents argumentative reflections advocating for the recognition of local voices in participatory design as manifestations of localised design intentions. By prioritising the articulations of the community or participants, this approach facilitates a shift away from the exclusive consideration of intentions held by designers or researchers.