Short answer
Before initiating co-design with user groups that may have cognitive differences, consult with subject matter experts to identify and address potential accessibility barriers.
- Field
- User-Centred Design
- Source
- Academic Publication (2020)
- Method
- Qualitative research, Focus Groups
- Sample
- 12 participants
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Leveraging the knowledge of subject matter experts is crucial for adapting co-design methodologies to be accessible for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2020 study published in Academic Publication. Using Qualitative research, focus groups with 12 participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Before initiating co-design with user groups that may have cognitive differences, consult with subject matter experts to identify and address potential accessibility barriers.
Expert insights reveal strategies for inclusive co-design with adults with intellectual disabilities.
Leveraging the knowledge of subject matter experts is crucial for adapting co-design methodologies to be accessible for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Academic Publication · 2020
Key Findings
- 01Standard co-design activities present significant accessibility barriers for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- 02Expert consultation can effectively identify these barriers and inform the development of adapted, more inclusive co-design methods.
- 03Specific recommendations for workshop design and facilitation are needed to support engagement.
Application
Design takeaway
Before initiating co-design with user groups that may have cognitive differences, consult with subject matter experts to identify and address potential accessibility barriers.
How to apply
When designing for user groups with specific cognitive needs, conduct expert interviews or focus groups to understand potential challenges and inform the adaptation of your design process.
Project actions
- 01Clearly define the 'experts' you will consult and why they are relevant.
- 02Document the specific co-design activities you are adapting and the rationale for each change.
- 03Consider how you will measure the success of your adapted co-design process in terms of user engagement and output quality.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Addresses a gap in existing literature regarding practical guidelines for inclusive co-design.
- +Utilizes a relevant methodology (focus groups with experts) to gather practical insights.
Limitations
The experts' suggestions might not perfectly reflect the actual experiences or preferences of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Reliability & validity
Reliability could be enhanced by using multiple focus groups with diverse expert backgrounds. Validity is strengthened by the focus on practical, actionable recommendations derived from experienced professionals.
Think critically
To what extent can expert opinion truly substitute for direct user testing when adapting co-design methods for vulnerable populations?
Design Principles
"Involve domain experts to refine participatory design methods for diverse user populations."
Traditional co-design methods often assume a level of cognitive ability that may exclude certain user groups. By consulting with experts, design teams can proactively identify and mitigate potential barriers, ensuring that the co-design process is truly inclusive and yields more representative insights.
What This Means for Your Design
If you want to design something with people who have intellectual disabilities, ask people who know a lot about intellectual disabilities first how to make your design process easier for them.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this research to justify your decision to consult experts when adapting a design process for a specific user group.
- 2.Cite this study when discussing the challenges of inclusive co-design and the strategies for overcoming them.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This study highlights the critical need to adapt co-design methodologies for individuals with intellectual disabilities. By engaging with subject matter experts, as demonstrated by Gibson et al. (2020), designers can proactively identify and mitigate accessibility barriers inherent in traditional co-design activities, leading to more inclusive and effective participatory design processes.
Source
Academic Publication
Lessons from Expert Focus Groups on how to Better Support Adults with Mild Intellectual Disabilities to Engage in Co-Design
journal · 2020
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about expert insights reveal strategies for inclusive co-design with adults with intellectual disabilities?
- Before initiating co-design with user groups that may have cognitive differences, consult with subject matter experts to identify and address potential accessibility barriers. Evidence: Academic Publication (2020).
- Why does "Expert insights reveal strategies for inclusive co-design with adults with intellectual disabilities." matter for design?
- Traditional co-design methods often assume a level of cognitive ability that may exclude certain user groups. By consulting with experts, design teams can proactively identify and mitigate potential barriers, ensuring that the co-design process is truly inclusive and yields more representative insights.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Before initiating co-design with user groups that may have cognitive differences, consult with subject matter experts to identify and address potential accessibility barriers.
- What were the main findings?
- Standard co-design activities present significant accessibility barriers for individuals with intellectual disabilities.. Expert consultation can effectively identify these barriers and inform the development of adapted, more inclusive co-design methods.. Specific recommendations for workshop design and facilitation are needed to support engagement.
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative research, Focus Groups with 12 participants.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2020 journal from Academic Publication.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing for user groups with specific cognitive needs, conduct expert interviews or focus groups to understand potential challenges and inform the adaptation of your design process.
- What are the limitations?
- The findings are based on expert opinion, not direct engagement with the target user group during the initial barrier identification phase.