Nowadays, user integration is focused at an early stage of the innovation process by using methods of open innovation, especially of participatory design. The methods LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, gamification with LEGO® MINDSTORMS® as well as interactive workshops are investigated successfully concerning their suitability. This evaluation relates to various objectives and applications by dint of three case studies relating to factory planning – merged technologies, digitalization and professional education. The comparison of the used methods shows the need of a context- and objective-related preselection of methodological approaches of participatory design to tap their full potentials.