Peopleuses

Peopleuses is a term used in some sociotechnical and design literatures to describe the ways in which people use technologies, objects, and spaces in everyday life. It emphasizes human agency, adaptation, and the social context of use rather than solely formal specifications or intended functions.

The term blends 'people' and 'uses' to highlight that use is produced by people within particular cultures, practices, and institutions. It is often positioned within practice theory, actor-network theory, or human–computer interaction as a complement to concepts such as usability and user experience.

Scope and definitions: includes appropriation, improvisation, maintenance, and repurposing; encompasses both overt use (what features are engaged) and tacit use (habits, routines, workarounds).

Methods: ethnography, interviews, diary studies, usage data. Applications: informs inclusive design, accessibility, policy development, and design of durable or adaptable technology.

Examples: design projects that document how people repurpose smartphones for assistive tasks; community repair groups; urban public-space technologies shaped by local practices. Criticism: the term can be vague; requires clear boundaries to distinguish from 'usages' or 'user behavior'.