Short answer

When designing systems for competition or participation, consider how to broaden eligibility criteria to include individuals with diverse needs and conditions, rather than relying on rigid, exclusionary classifications.

Field: Innovation & Design
Source: European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity (2024)
Method: Case study and framework development
Evidence: Strong effect

A novel categorisation framework for adapted sports can significantly increase participation by accommodating a wider spectrum of physical and psychological conditions. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2024 study published in European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity. Using Case study and framework development, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing systems for competition or participation, consider how to broaden eligibility criteria to include individuals with diverse needs and conditions, rather than relying on rigid, exclusionary classifications.

Study

Innovation & DesignRecentStrong effect

Invictus Games Categorisation System Enhances Inclusivity in Adapted Sports

A novel categorisation framework for adapted sports can significantly increase participation by accommodating a wider spectrum of physical and psychological conditions.

European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity · 2024

Key Findings

01Existing categorisation systems may limit participation for individuals with diverse and complex conditions.
02The Invictus Games categorisation system was developed to integrate individuals with a broader range of physical and psychological illnesses and injuries.
03The system's development was informed by advances in understanding pain-based impairments and psychological health.
04Refining categorisation systems can expand access to non-elite adapted sport competition.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When designing any system that involves categorisation or eligibility, actively seek input from a diverse range of potential users and stakeholders to ensure the system is as inclusive as possible.

Project actions

01Consider how your design project can be made more accessible to a wider range of users.
02Think about how to adapt existing systems or rules to be more inclusive.

Method & Evidence

AimHow can a new categorisation system be developed to promote fair and inclusive participation in non-elite adapted sports for individuals with diverse physical and psychological conditions?

MethodCase study and framework development

ProcedureThe research involved reviewing the development process of the Invictus Games categorisation system, detailing its operational procedures, and outlining the training provided to categorisers. It also considered the influence of recent research on pain-based impairments and psychological conditions.

ContextAdapted sports and inclusive event design

Variables

IVDevelopment and implementation of the Invictus Games categorisation system.

DVInclusivity and participation rates in adapted sports.

CVNature of adapted sports competition, existing categorisation frameworks.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Focuses on a real-world, innovative solution to a common problem in adapted sports.
+Provides a practical framework and insights for developing inclusive systems.

Limitations

The specific context of adapted sports may not directly translate to all design fields without careful consideration of the unique user needs.

Reliability & validity

The validity of the system's inclusivity is supported by its development process involving stakeholders and its aim to increase participation. Reliability would depend on consistent application by trained categorisers.

Think critically

To what extent do current design practices in various fields inadvertently create barriers for individuals with less visible or complex needs, and how can principles from inclusive categorisation systems be applied to overcome these?

Design Principles

"Inclusivity through flexible classification systems."

Traditional categorisation systems in adapted sports often inadvertently exclude individuals with complex or less visible impairments. The Invictus Games approach demonstrates how a more flexible and inclusive system can be developed, fostering greater engagement and equitable competition.

What This Means for Your Design

This study shows how the Invictus Games created a better system for grouping athletes in adapted sports so that more people with different kinds of physical and mental health challenges can join in.

How to use in your project

1.Reference the Invictus Games categorisation system as an example of innovative inclusive design in your design project's research section.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The Invictus Games categorisation system offers a valuable precedent for designing inclusive frameworks. By moving beyond traditional, potentially exclusionary classifications, this system demonstrates how to accommodate a wider spectrum of physical and psychological conditions, thereby enhancing participation in adapted sports. This approach highlights the importance of iterative development and stakeholder consultation in creating equitable systems.

Source

European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity

The Invictus Games Categorisation System: A framework for adapted sports

journal · 2024

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about invictus games categorisation system enhances inclusivity in adapted sports?: When designing systems for competition or participation, consider how to broaden eligibility criteria to include individuals with diverse needs and conditions, rather than relying on rigid, exclusionary classifications. Evidence: European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity (2024).
Why does "Invictus Games Categorisation System Enhances Inclusivity in Adapted Sports" matter for design?: Traditional categorisation systems in adapted sports often inadvertently exclude individuals with complex or less visible impairments. The Invictus Games approach demonstrates how a more flexible and inclusive system can be developed, fostering greater engagement and equitable competition.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing systems for competition or participation, consider how to broaden eligibility criteria to include individuals with diverse needs and conditions, rather than relying on rigid, exclusionary classifications.
What were the main findings?: Existing categorisation systems may limit participation for individuals with diverse and complex conditions.. The Invictus Games categorisation system was developed to integrate individuals with a broader range of physical and psychological illnesses and injuries.. The system's development was informed by advances in understanding pain-based impairments and psychological health.. Refining categorisation systems can expand access to non-elite adapted sport competition.
What research method was used?: Case study and framework development.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2024 journal from European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing any system that involves categorisation or eligibility, actively seek input from a diverse range of potential users and stakeholders to ensure the system is as inclusive as possible.
What are the limitations?: The system is specifically tailored for non-elite competition and may require adaptation for elite levels or different sports.