Distributing participation in design: Addressing challenges of a global pandemic

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Design Research
• Inclusive Design

Background:

• Participatory Design (PD) is challenging with children, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Social distancing and restrictions disrupt traditional in-person PD methods.
• New approaches are needed to maintain inclusive design practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine Distributed Participatory Design (DPD) as a solution for PD challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To explore new ways of thinking about and implementing DPD with child participants.
• To identify opportunities and challenges of DPD in a global pandemic context.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of an online Interaction Design and Children (IDC) 2020 workshop with 24 experienced researchers.
• Adapting an initially in-person workshop to an online format due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Identifying key themes and lessons learned from the DPD experience.

Main Results:

• The shift to an online format presented opportunities to address new PD challenges.
• Seven key themes emerged, offering guidance for conducting PD during a pandemic.
• DPD demonstrated potential for increased participant access.

Conclusions:

• Distributed Participatory Design (DPD) is a viable approach for co-design during global pandemics.
• DPD offers opportunities for greater inclusivity but necessitates careful consideration of technical and social factors.
• Lessons learned provide guidance for future DPD implementation with children.