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Participatory design (PD) involves the interaction of personnel at all stages of the design process. PD has its origins in Europe where labor unions raised the public awareness of the interrelation between technology in the workplace and its social effects. Scandinavia, with its workplace democracy movement, played a big part in the early stages of PD, which calls for the direct participation of workers in design decisions and activities. Another PD approach emphasizes a locally adapted democratic decision-making form. Yet another focuses on product quality and effective acquisition of knowledge. Detailed is an overview of PD. Areas also discussed include a listing of books available on the subject. Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility has been involved in two PD conferences.