Practice-Based Computing (PBC) is a design and research framework that insists computing systems should be designed based on detailed empirical understanding of actual work and collaboration practices. Rooted in the ethnomethodological and CSCW traditions, PBC emerged from the work of Volker Wulf and colleagues at the University of Siegen. The framework integrates ethnographic fieldwork, participatory design, and iterative system development into sustained engagement with communities of practice. It employs sensitizing concepts (after Blumer 1954) to translate fieldwork observations into design implications, and design case studies to document and share design knowledge holistically across the phases of a practice-oriented design process. PBC has been applied across domains including crisis management, healthcare, education, and community-based organizations. It is particularly relevant in Software Engineering, Social Sciences, Design and Education.

Practice-Based Computing supports co-design, participatory and interdisciplinary collaboration and is suited for small teams, organizational settings and community-scale initiatives in in-person and hybrid settings.

Practice-Based Computing is an established framework with a solid track record of use across multiple contexts. Key concepts include Sensitizing concepts — general reference points guiding empirical inquiry, suggesting directions along which to look rather than prescribing what to see (Blumer 1954), Design case studies — holistic documentation of a practice-oriented design process spanning pre-study, design, and appropriation phases, Grounded design — deriving design implications from empirically observed practices rather than abstract models, Sustained community engagement — long-term relationships between researchers and communities of practice.