Short answer

Actively seek out and incorporate the perspectives of end-users and their support systems to define research priorities that lead to meaningful design solutions.

Field
User-Centred Design
Source
ORCA Online Research @Cardiff (Cardiff University) (2015)
Method
Qualitative research, Stakeholder consultation
Evidence
Moderate effect

Understanding the lived experiences of individuals with mobility needs and their support networks is crucial for identifying effective future research priorities. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2015 study published in ORCA Online Research @Cardiff (Cardiff University). Using Qualitative research, stakeholder consultation, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Actively seek out and incorporate the perspectives of end-users and their support systems to define research priorities that lead to meaningful design solutions.

Study
User-Centred DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Prioritizing Research Investment by Understanding Lived Mobility Experiences

Understanding the lived experiences of individuals with mobility needs and their support networks is crucial for identifying effective future research priorities.

ORCA Online Research @Cardiff (Cardiff University) · 2015

01

Key Findings

  • 01Individuals with mobility needs and their support networks have valuable insights into priority research areas.
  • 02A broader understanding of 'mobility' beyond immediate product use is essential for comprehensive research.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Actively seek out and incorporate the perspectives of end-users and their support systems to define research priorities that lead to meaningful design solutions.

How to apply

When initiating a new design project or research initiative, conduct in-depth interviews and focus groups with a representative sample of target users and their associated support networks to identify critical needs and potential research avenues.

Project actions

  • 01Clearly define who your 'stakeholders' are beyond just the direct user.
  • 02Use open-ended questions to encourage detailed sharing of experiences.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo identify priority areas for future research investment by understanding the lived experiences of individuals with mobility needs and their support networks.
MethodQualitative research, Stakeholder consultation
ProcedureThe research involved scoping the views of individuals managing their own disability and those who provide personal or professional support. This was done to understand their lived experiences and identify key areas for future research.
ContextMobility and disability research

Variables

IVInvolvement of individuals with mobility needs and their support networks
DVIdentification of priority research areas
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Holistic approach by including support networks.
  • +Focus on lived experience for authentic insights.

Limitations

It can be challenging to recruit a diverse range of participants, and their experiences may not represent all potential users.

Reliability & validity

Reliability could be improved with a larger, more diverse sample. Validity is strong in capturing lived experience but may be subjective in prioritizing findings.

Think critically

How might the definition of 'mobility' differ across various user groups, and how could this influence research priorities?

05

Design Principles

"User-centric research should inform strategic investment in design and innovation."

This approach ensures that research investments are directed towards areas that genuinely address user challenges and improve quality of life. By engaging diverse stakeholders, design teams can uncover unmet needs and opportunities for innovation that might otherwise be overlooked.

06

What This Means for Your Design

To make sure your design project helps people, ask them and the people who care for them what problems are most important to solve.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Use this research to justify the focus and scope of your design project, demonstrating how user needs informed your direction.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The research emphasizes the critical role of understanding the 'lived experience' of individuals with mobility needs and their support systems. By engaging with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, design teams can effectively identify and prioritize areas for future research and development that address genuine user challenges and lead to more impactful design solutions.

09

Source

ORCA Online Research @Cardiff (Cardiff University)

Scoping our future research priorities

journal · 2015

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about prioritizing research investment by understanding lived mobility experiences?
Actively seek out and incorporate the perspectives of end-users and their support systems to define research priorities that lead to meaningful design solutions. Evidence: ORCA Online Research @Cardiff (Cardiff University) (2015).
Why does "Prioritizing Research Investment by Understanding Lived Mobility Experiences" matter for design?
This approach ensures that research investments are directed towards areas that genuinely address user challenges and improve quality of life. By engaging diverse stakeholders, design teams can uncover unmet needs and opportunities for innovation that might otherwise be overlooked.
How can designers apply this research?
Actively seek out and incorporate the perspectives of end-users and their support systems to define research priorities that lead to meaningful design solutions.
What were the main findings?
Individuals with mobility needs and their support networks have valuable insights into priority research areas.. A broader understanding of 'mobility' beyond immediate product use is essential for comprehensive research.
What research method was used?
Qualitative research, Stakeholder consultation.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2015 journal from ORCA Online Research @Cardiff (Cardiff University).
What should I do differently in my next project?
When initiating a new design project or research initiative, conduct in-depth interviews and focus groups with a representative sample of target users and their associated support networks to identify critical needs and potential research avenues.
What are the limitations?
The specific context of 'Motability' may limit generalizability to other domains without adaptation.