Participatory Design Research Articles

Students as collaborative partners

In contemporary society, Artificial Intelligence (AI) pervades numerous facets of our lives and is likely to impact many sectors and professions, including education. Tertiary-level students in particular face challenges regarding the use of AI for studies and assessment, including limited understanding of AI tools, as well as a lack of deep critical engagement with AI for learning (Shibani et al., 2024). To respond to emerging developments in generative AI, the recent Australian Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) report suggests tertiary-level learning and assessments be designed to foster responsible and ethical use of AI (Lodge et al., 2023). This involves the development of AI literacy among students to engage with AI in critical, ethical ways that aid their learning and not hinder it. Our project aims to narrow the AI literacy gap among students from diverse study backgrounds by providing foundational knowledge and developing critical skills for practical use of AI tools for learning and professional practice, in collaboration with students and academics as part of a Students as Partners (SAP) initiative. Staff bring expertise in AI critical engagement and students bring practical, first-hand experiences of learning in this collaboration, supported by the university’s SAP program. Building on the current UNESCO recommendations for the use of generative AI in education (UNESCO, 2023) and prior theoretical frameworks on AI literacy (Chiu et al., 2024; Ng, et al., 2021; Southworth et al., 2023) we target key skills that higher education students should develop to meaningfully engage with AI. By creating accessible and engaging resources, such as instructional videos and comprehensive guides on generative AI applications like ChatGPT and ways to prompt for enhancing learning, we introduce existing AI tools and teach students to use them effectively, promoting a hands-on learning environment. Using learning design principles, the developed curriculum will be presented in an AI Literacy module on a Canvas site, with supporting instruction workshopped with student participants for evaluation. Student cohorts recruited from diverse disciplines will pilot and assess the effectiveness of the program, and qualitative methods such as focus groups and interviews will be used for evaluation of our intervention and continuous improvements. Findings will inform tertiary students’ current level of AI literacy and the effectiveness of interventions to improve key skills beyond their disciplinary knowledge, better preparing them for life beyond university. Indeed, the implementation of similar AI literacy courses has demonstrated statistically significant improvements in AI literacy and understanding of AI concepts amongst university students (Kong, Cheung, & Zhang, 2021). Our approach underscores the importance of relational engagement in higher education with students as partners (Matthews, 2018) and participatory design with students in a topic that is significant in the current age of AI (Laupichler et al., 2022). The course's flexibility to be accessed directly or embedded into other curricula ensures scalability and broader impact, solidifying the validity of our multifaceted approach. Through utilising relevant research methodologies and learning design principles, we endeavour to create an AI literacy course that is robust, accessible, educational, and engaging to use by tertiary-level students from diverse study backgrounds.

Micropolitics in Participatory Processes: The Impact of Ablism and Other ‘Hidden’ Power Structures on Equitable Participation and Outcomes

Theoretical understandings of micropolitics and ablism provided a framework to analyze power relations and their impacts in a participatory design process. Micropolitics allowed a focus on small scale interactions and relational processes that impact outcomes of participation, and revealed the importance of problem framing and coalition building. We also found resistance to ablism through micropolitical strategies including: the sharing of experiential narratives; the use of expressive communication styles; and the development of alliances. These helped challenge norms of ablism in the deliberative process. Suggested practices for planners and facilitators who want to intervene in status quo ablest practices are identified.

Leveraging the Power of Storytelling to Encourage and Empower Children towards Strong Passwords

With the increasing use of computer and smartphones by children, their online safety has been of major concern due to their limited security knowledge and skills. User authentication is pivotal for their security protection, where a body of work focused on children's password practices. The insights from these studies highlight children's lack of awareness and skills in creating a strong password. However, there is a dearth in existing literature to understand the scopes of designs for encouraging and empowering children towards strong passwords. As we begin to address this gap, we leveraged the power of storytelling to foster user attachment, encouragement, and empowerment. To this end, we adopted a systematic approach through a series of studies. First, a focus group session with three experts whose research primarily focuses on children contributed to build the narrative of a story, followed by a participatory design study with 20 children (aged between 8 and 12) to understand their preferences and perceptions of design components for the visual depiction of that narrative. The insights from focus group and participatory design led to the design of 'Story', a digital storytelling based design representing password advice for children. We also created the baseline designs and compared them with Story in a within-subject survey with 44 children aged between 8 and 12. The findings from our study unpack the efficacy of storytelling, leading us to offer guidelines for future research in these directions.

Metaverse Perspectives from Japan: A Participatory Speculative Design Case Study

Currently, the development of the metaverse lies in the hands of industry. Citizens have little influence on this process. Instead, to do justice to the pluralism of (digital) societies, we should strive for an open discourse including many different perspectives on the metaverse and its core technologies such as AI. We utilize a participatory speculative design (PSD) approach to explore Japanese citizens' perspectives on future metaverse societies, as well as social and ethical implications. Our contributions are twofold. Firstly, we demonstrate the effectiveness of PSD in engaging citizens in critical discourse on emerging technologies like the metaverse by presenting our workshop framework and participants' processes. Secondly, we identify key themes from participants' perspectives, providing insights for culturally sensitive design and development of virtual environments. Our analysis shows that participants imagine the metaverse to have the potential to solve a variety of societal issues; for example, breaking down barriers of physical environments for communication, social interaction, crisis preparation, and political participation, or tackling identity-related issues. Regarding future metaverse societies, participants' imaginations raise critical questions about human-AI relations, technical solutionism, politics and technology, globalization and local cultures, and immersive technologies. We discuss implications and contribute to expanding conversations on metaverse developments.

The Working Jobless: Unemployment as Work

Being unemployed is, by definition, someone without a job, but is it somebody without work? This paper presents an empirical study of unemployed job seekers and the work they do in connection with upholding their everyday life, job search, technology use, and the necessary connections with the public unemployment office (job center). Within the country where the research is conducted, the activities of the unemployed involve balancing formal legal requirements and procedures (to secure unemployment benefits, etc.) with informal navigation of the rules and regulations, networks and activities directed towards employment. The activities are mediated by digital platforms, e.g. job search, accountability, documentation, and, as a consequence, job seekers largely have to depend on their technologies and experiences to manage these processes. We present a study of interviews with job seekers (n=10) with an average age of 60, and two Participatory Design workshops with a total of 15 participants. Our analysis shows that the unemployed carry out work towards fulfilling formal requirements posed by the unemployment office, as well as setting up their daily, computer-supported routines, and a significant amount of unrecognized hidden work navigating rules, status and informal networks.

"They Make Us Old Before We're Old": Designing Ethical Health Technology with and for Older Adults

Voice-first ambient interfaces (VFAIs), such as Alexa, can uniquely meet the health needs of older adults. However, inequitable technology may worsen health disparities and decrease independence, calling for participatory methods to increase the agency of older adults in the design processes of these technologies. We adapt and conduct a participatory design workshop to focus on ambient interfaces for home health with 13 diverse older adults in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood. Using the prototypes they made as discussion catalyzers, participants shared different perspectives entailing stigmatized topics that can be difficult to discuss, such as drug use, sex, isolation, and dementia. They deliberated on the negative implications of VFAIs, such as a justified concern for surveillance, in conjunction with their positive implications, such as receiving always-available ''non-judgmental'' support. Similarly, the risk of leaking drug use data was considered alongside the benefits of sharing important medical information with clinicians. We synthesize our findings into design considerations, such as how we might address varying levels of trust in different stakeholders and reduce stigma that may hinder users from fully benefiting from VFAIs' capabilities.

"Just Like, Risking Your Life Here": Participatory Design of User Interactions with Risk Detection AI to Prevent Online-to-Offline Harm Through Dating Apps

Social computing platforms facilitate interpersonal harms that manifest across online and physical realms such as sexual violence between online daters and sexual grooming through social media. Risk detection AI has emerged as an approach to preventing such harms, however a myopic focus on computational performance has been criticized in HCI literature for failing to consider how users should interact with risk detection AI to stay safe. In this paper we report an interview study with woman-identifying online daters (n=20) about how they envision interacting with risk detection AI and how risk detection models can be designed pursuant to such interactions. In accordance with this goal, we engaged women in risk detection model building exercises to build their own risk detection models. Findings show that women anticipate interacting with risk detection AI to augment - not replace - their personal risk assessment strategies. They likewise designed risk detection models to amplify their subjective and admittedly biased indicators of risk. Design implications involve the notion of personalizable risk detection models, but also ethical concerns around perpetuating problematic stereotypes associated with risk.

‘This is PEEP’ participatory qualitative study: learning from a provincial consultation and advisory group of people with lived and living experience of substance use in British Columbia, Canada

ObjectivesTo summarise PEEP’s (Professionals for Ethical Engagement of Peers—a group of consultants with lived and living experience of substance use) outputs and gain insights into PEEP’s impact and suggestions for...

Barriers to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Migrant and Refugee Youth: An Exploratory Socioecological Qualitative Analysis

(1) Background: Migrant and refugee youth’s (MRY’s) sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHRs) are a global health issue. MRY encounter adverse SRH experiences due to limited access to and knowledge of SRHRs services. Using a socioecological framework, this study examined the barriers affecting MRY’s SRHRs. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study utilising a participatory action research design was used. A total of 87 MRY (ages 16–26, from 20 cultural groups within Greater Western Sydney, Australia) completed seventeen focus group discussions on their SRHRs experiences. The focus groups were co-facilitated by youth project liaisons to ensure their authenticity and validity. The data were analysed thematically and interpreted using socioecological theory. (3) Results: The findings identified socioecological barriers, a lack of awareness about and access to services, and sociocultural dissonance as leading to the under-implementation of SRHRs services. These barriers included cultural disconnects, language barriers, remote service locations, intergenerational cultural conflicts, and ineffective SRHRs services. The key themes identified included traditional and institutional stigma, lack of SRH education, reliance on social media for SRH information, and privacy concerns. (4) Conclusions: There is a limited consideration of MRY’s SRHRs and the impact of intergenerational discordance and stigma on MRY’s rights. The findings suggest the necessity for a collaborative SRHRs strategy and policy design that empowers MRY’s agency across multicultural contexts.

Cycles: using storytelling to co-design a positive future for menstrual health and wellbeing in public spaces

Despite the ubiquity of menstruation, the area is under-researched and stigmatized. The burden of ‘managing’ periods lies with the people who menstruate (PWM). Some etiquettes and cultures ask that periods disappear/are hidden from the public sphere, however despite this, PWM continue to experience symptoms within these public spaces (pain, nausea, discomfort etc.). This paper describes a design research study in two parts: Cycles is a design project that firstly uncovers what it means to menstruate in ‘public’ and secondly explores how we can collaboratively generate conceptual solutions to contribute towards a positive future for menstrual health and well-being. Through a series of participatory and inclusive design research methods, based on storytelling the diverse experiences of a group of PWM were gathered. Subsequent analysis of the data identified a number of shared and individual stories that were re-enacted in an urban context (using Limerick City as a test bed). This research served to highlight that whilst everyone’s story with their period is individual, there is a collective lack of infrastructural, product and social support for PWM. Cycles surfaced a requirement for inclusive and equitable solutions that support PWM at the point of need whilst also raising awareness and building understanding and sympathy.

The creation of social value in the participatory design of housing services

The approach to housing that redefines the home as a service transcends the issue of housing as merely private, bringing it back to a trajectory of collective public interest. The paper reflects on initiatives, whose common element is the investment in intangible aspects for community involvement, activating processes and experiments for the development of collaborative spaces and services that extend the scope of intervention to the neighbourhood, generating mechanisms and dynamics of social impact. The processes and experiments described are examples of how, to make such actions feasible, the public sector synergises with the private sector through welfare models requiring innovative management skills that invest and work on the community with an integrated approach for social cohesion.

Engaging for Sustainable Development and Transformation – Exploring the Concept of Transformative Academic Institutions

Abstract Universities are expected to play a proactive role in the sustainable development and transformation of their regions. However, they face external and internal barriers to play that role. One possible approach to overcome those barriers is through transformative academic institutions (TAIs). TAIs are defined as research centres created within universities to proactively engage in territorial development processes and can act as ‘living labs’ from which universities can draw lessons when developing a regionally engaged role. The article explores the TAI concept further by posing the following research question: How does the TAI approach look like in different contexts? What factors support and/or hinder TAI development? To that end, we analyse the case of five academic partners working in different organisational research settings within larger university structures. Our exploration of TAI practices followed an action research approach with participatory design methods to identify commonalities, challenges, and opportunities. Findings point to a more strategic partnering with external (non-academic) actors to contribute to (longer-term) change processes that address regional sustainability challenges. This can take universities towards new roles in curating collective knowledge and catalysing and facilitating change.

Place recognition and construction: the example of Piazza Testaccio in Rome

The case-study of Piazza Testaccio in Rome shows that public space, in order to be attractive, must necessarily be designed as a continuous plan open to the context. It also indicates that participatory processes are successful when they are the result of a concrete synergy between citizens, authorities and planners, and much less so when they respond to models and procedures imposed from above. The text traces the participatory design conception phase with the inhabitants, the formal, functional and technical-constructive choices, the implementation and the use of this new urban space in which people interact and meet, even casually, turning it into a “place” precisely through the individual and collective recognition of a community.

Designing the public works values

What are public works, and under what conditions can they be considered a “common value” recognized by the community? The contributions to issue n. 28 of TECHNE Journal delve into these conditions, offering critical reflections and research advancements that examine cities, buildings, places, and public services from the perspective that «the entire urban space must be regarded as something produced, owned, and transformed collectively» (Marella, 2024). There are three main areas of reflection and proposal: the first involves the methods and procedural and design tools that can be employed for the recovery and adaptive reuse of public works facing functional obsolescence, abandonment, and/or decay; the second addresses the regenerative processes of public spaces and entire urban sectors with a focus on usability and environmental sustainability; and the third concerns the participatory design of public works as a vital lever for the creation of social value. This set of design actions is well-supported by analytical and evaluative tools that guide the decision-making process, all driven by an interest in optimizing the socio-economic, cultural, and environmental benefits that can result from more effective and efficient public works production and management processes, especially in response to evolving social demands.

Strengthening the quality of primary healthcare services and interdisciplinary collaboration

Abstract Background Political organisations stress the need for preventive strategies to reduce the amount of avoidable hospital admissions, i.e. admissions that could have been avoided given timely and adequate care in the primary healthcare setting. Interdisciplinary collaboration has been suggested as a means to prevent hospitalizations, but effective implementation remains a challenge. Thus, there is a need for evidence-based strategies to prevent avoidable admissions and support interdisciplinary collaboration. The aim was to develop an evidence-based framework for preventive and coordinated interventions strengthening the quality of primary healthcare services and supporting interdisciplinary collaboration. Methods The project consists of three sub-studies: 1) a mixed methods systematic review following the JBI methodology; 2) a focus group study with primary healthcare providers in the Central Denmark Region, including general practitioners, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, home care providers, registered nurses and nurse specialists; and 3) a study using participatory design, where a framework for coordinated interventions were developed based on the results from study 1 and 2, supported by all stakeholders. Results Findings suggest that some hospitalizations can be prevented by intervening on mental factors, e.g., through trustful relations, and social factors, e.g., living situation. Also, a strong collaboration between healthcare providers from different disciplines and healthcare services is needed to improve the care pathway and prevent hospitalization. The collaboration may be strengthened if the health providers share a common language regarding the citizens’ health status. Conclusions Stakeholders at all levels should be informed about the relevance of considering mental, social and physical factors to improve the quality and responsiveness of primary healthcare services and to develop initiatives to support interdisciplinary collaboration. Key messages • By focusing on the whole person, it could be possible to provide more person-centred care through interdisciplinary collaboration and ultimately to prevent some admissions. • Well-established primary healthcare services are important to provide person-centred care through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Enhancing port preparedness in Germany in the event of infectious diseases – a best practice study

Abstract Background The maritime sector is exposed to specific risks in the area of communicable diseases. In Germany, five ports are designated to enforce the International Health Regulations (IHR) and must have certain core capacities to respond immediately to cross-border health threats. A joint external evaluation conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed a need to reinforce central structures in Germany. The overarching objective of the study is to harmonize and consolidate the requisite capacities for maritime health security. Methods Qualitative interviews (n = 35) at baseline were conducted with various stakeholders, including port medical services, port authorities and other stakeholders. The parameters to be analysed included specific activities and interfaces during infectious incidents, experience with past infection incidents, training and exercise, and the need for action. Furthermore, a document analysis was conducted, during which the existing contingency plans and standard operating procedures were reviewed. Results In essence, the initial challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic have led to the establishment of well-defined procedures and interfaces between the various stakeholders involved. There is a necessity for enhanced interpersonal communication between the various stakeholders and the implementation of sustainable training practices. Furthermore, greater transparency and standardisation of regulations in international health emergencies is desired. Conclusions Given the infrequency of cross-border infection incidents on board ships, targeted preparation within stakeholders is often given a lower priority than other work priorities. The participatory study design is intended to develop comprehensive concepts in collaboration with the IHR ports in the ongoing project. Subsequently, these concepts will be tested in tabletop exercises and incorporated into training formats for public health actors. Key messages • The qualitative interview study at baseline revealed a substantial need for sustained communication and training practices among stakeholders for infectious disease preparedness in German IHR ports. • The document analysis revealed relevant differences in the extent and scope of contingency plans of German ports designated under the International Health Regulations.

An integrated work health intervention among cleaners in Denmark

Abstract Introduction Work-related diseases are increasing and considered a global health challenge. Meanwhile, work-related risk factors and diseases are not equally distributed across occupational groups. Previous work health interventions have not succeeded in reducing the prevalence of work-related diseases. Therefore, integrated approaches combining prevention of disease and promotion of health in work health interventions have been developed. The aim of the Integrated Approach to Health, Wellbeing, and Productivity at Work (ITASPA) intervention was to prevent work-related injuries and diseases and promote the health, safety and wellbeing of cleaners. Methods The ITASPA intervention was implemented at two Danish workplaces among cleaners. At each workplace a committee of employees was established to develop their own initiatives to promote the health of the workers. By use of the British Medical research Council’s framework, a process evaluation was conducted. Qualitative data (focus group interview and field notes) and quantitative data (questionnaires) of participants evaluated the implementation. Results A total of 91 cleaners participated in health checks, and three workshops were held at each workplace. The development and implementation of activities was affected by mechanisms, such as lack of information about the intervention, new power dynamics, and lack of motivation for behavior changes, and contextual factors, such as many replacements, time pressure and absence of managers. Conclusions Integrated approaches in work health interventions among employees with short or no education may positively impact employees’ health, wellbeing and safety if comprehensively implemented. However, attention should be drawn to interventions that adapt a participatory design, as unintended power dynamics may occur when employees are given the tasks of implementing behavior changes among colleagues. The role of managers to obtain successful implementation should be highlighted.

A Personal Health Record for patients with multiple sclerosis: A 2-year evaluation study

Abstract Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease impacting the central nervous system, affecting 2.8 million people worldwide. Effective self-management is crucial for treating chronic diseases, including MS. Personal health records (PHRs) show promise in supporting self-management, potentially empowering patients and enhancing their engagement in treatment and health. However, implementation challenges persist. Objectives This study aimed to) assess the feasibility and usability of the PHR according to patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs), and 2) evaluate implementation determinants, and exploring preliminary effects on a range of outcomes related to the quality, efficiency, and costs of care, as well as health-related outcomes. Methods A mixed-methods study was conducted in a Dutch hospital. Quantitative data from 80 patients and 12 HCPs were collected via questionnaires at baseline (T0), after one (T1) and 2 years (T2). Focus group interview were conducted at T2 with 7 patients and 4 HCPs. Results Most patients never logged in during the first year and logged in a couple of times during the second year, with 15 minutes per log-in session. The HCPs mainly logged in a couple of times per year, averaging six minutes per session. Patients’ and HCPs’ usability and satisfaction scores were below average and moderate respectively. Various facilitators and barriers were identified, including knowledge gaps, staff capacity issues, and ICT obstacles. No significant differences were found in preliminary effects. Qualitative data highlighted benefits in terms of gaining insight into health data but revealed challenges with log-in issues and information retrieval. Conclusions Implementation challenges hindered PHR adoption. The evolving nature of PHRs requires ongoing evaluation and adaptation to optimize their potential benefits. Utilizing a participatory design approach and a dedicated implementation team could enhance adoption and maximize benefits. Key messages • A personal health record (PHR) for patients with MS was evaluated within the care setting of a Dutch hospital, demonstrating limited usability and moderate satisfaction. • Diverse obstacles impeded the adoption and uptake of the PHR, but potential solutions lie in continuous development with a participatory design approach and dedicated implementation team.

Serious Games for Improving Mental Health: Status and Prospects

With the rapid development of time and technology, the significance of digital game development cannot be underestimated. In today's era, games have permeated thousands of households, encompassing a wide range of genres. They are no longer solely entertainment products but also can be applied in education, medical care, learning, scientific research, and other fields. Research indicates that serious games (games designed to teach knowledge and skills or provide professional training and simulation) can effectively improve mental health. This review discusses the current status and future prospects of serious games in promoting mental health. It presents a comprehensive classification of serious games by integrating several literature resources, synthesizing information and data analysis to investigate their effectiveness in improving mental health outcomes. The findings show that serious games play a certain role in the treatment of mental illness. However, the current body of research is not without limitations, as there exists a dearth of controlled experiments comparing the efficacy of serious games to other types of games and investigating the effectiveness of gamification techniques. To address these gaps, researchers and designers should further prioritize approaches such as emotional design and participatory design. Additionally, leveraging emerging technologies like virtual reality can facilitate the development of adaptable game designs and methodologies that align with evolving societal needs.

I'm not giving up on you: Exploring the roles of politicized trust and critical agency in the Scratch coding trajectory of two Black boys

AbstractThis article looks at how a Black informal STEM educator supported two Black boys' learning opportunities in coding, specifically investigating how the establishment of politicized trust between the informal STEM educator and youth supported their development of critical agency. Using the dual lenses of socio‐spatial relationality and politicized trust, we explore how the socio‐spatial relationality of place, materials, and educator–youth interactions allowed for the shifting of power dynamics that were foundational to supporting youth in navigating a coding process that centered who they were and their interests, in the moment. We employ participatory design research aimed at reducing power dynamics by remediating who has power within a setting, grounded in dismantling and disrupting traditional power hierarchies through actively involving the community in the design process. We present two case studies that map the learning trajectories of Donovan and Jabria, two middle‐school aged Black boys. Their learning trajectories include the following phases: tensions related to coding with Scratch, pivotal interaction with the educator, and development of critical agency. We unpack how the socially produced space supported Donovan, Jabria, and Worsley to critically read the world of coding, rewrite coding through political action, and establish politicized trust. Throughout this process, we see through Donovan and Jabria's interactions they were constantly editing and producing their interactions with coding which led to newly created learning opportunities by developing their critical agency in coding. Four main points were identified: continuous access to materials, sustained engagement to reimagine possibilities, understanding that all disengagement is not equal, and being explicit in communicating expectations followed by concrete action. Across these points, the salience of relational politicized trust between educator and youth was a cross cutting thread.