Short answer
Designers must actively involve individuals in recovery as co-creators to develop technologies that are sensitive to their unique needs, values, and the community structures that support their journey.
- Field
- User-Centred Design
- Source
- Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (2018)
- Method
- Qualitative, Participatory Design Workshops
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Involving individuals with lived experience of substance use disorders in the design process leads to the identification of critical technological support needs aligned with their recovery values and practices. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2018 study published in Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction. Using Qualitative, participatory design workshops, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers must actively involve individuals in recovery as co-creators to develop technologies that are sensitive to their unique needs, values, and the community structures that support their journey.
Co-designing Recovery Technologies: Empowering Users in Substance Use Disorder Support
Involving individuals with lived experience of substance use disorders in the design process leads to the identification of critical technological support needs aligned with their recovery values and practices.
Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction · 2018
Key Findings
- 01Technologies can support twelve-step traditions and practices.
- 02Technology can aid in managing restlessness and moments of crisis.
- 03Users require agency and control over privacy and personal safety in recovery technologies.
- 04Tools for tracking progress and maintaining motivation are valuable.
- 05Technology can assist in constructing a 'new normal' during recovery.
Application
Design takeaway
Designers must actively involve individuals in recovery as co-creators to develop technologies that are sensitive to their unique needs, values, and the community structures that support their journey.
How to apply
When designing any support system for vulnerable populations, conduct co-design workshops to understand their specific needs, cultural contexts, and desired levels of control.
Project actions
- 01If your project involves a sensitive user group, consider how you can involve them directly in the design process.
- 02Think about the ethical implications of the technology you are designing, especially concerning privacy and user control.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Direct involvement of the target user group.
- +Qualitative depth in understanding user needs and values.
Limitations
The sample size was not specified, and the findings are specific to the demographic studied (women in recovery).
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the findings would depend on the consistency of themes identified across multiple workshops and participants. Validity is strengthened by the inductive qualitative analysis, which aims to capture the authentic experiences of the participants.
Think critically
How might the identified themes for recovery technologies differ for different age groups or genders within the substance use disorder community?
Design Principles
"Involve end-users with lived experience in the co-design of support technologies to ensure relevance, efficacy, and ethical considerations."
This approach ensures that digital tools are not only functional but also culturally relevant and supportive of the user's journey. By prioritizing user agency and community traditions, designers can create more effective and ethical interventions.
What This Means for Your Design
When making technology to help people with addiction, it's super important to ask them what they need and want, not just guess. They know best what helps them stay sober and feel safe.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when justifying the need for user research and participatory design methods in your project, particularly if your design addresses social or health-related issues.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This design project adopts a user-centred approach, informed by research such as Schmitt and Yarosh (2018), which emphasizes the critical role of participatory design in developing technologies for recovery from substance use disorders. Their work highlights how co-design with individuals in recovery can uncover essential themes like supporting recovery practices, managing crises, ensuring privacy, tracking progress, and building a new life, thereby ensuring that technological solutions are not only functional but also ethically sound and aligned with user values.
Source
Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction
Participatory Design of Technologies to Support Recovery from Substance Use Disorders
journal · 2018
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about co-designing recovery technologies: empowering users in substance use disorder support?
- Designers must actively involve individuals in recovery as co-creators to develop technologies that are sensitive to their unique needs, values, and the community structures that support their journey. Evidence: Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction (2018).
- Why does "Co-designing Recovery Technologies: Empowering Users in Substance Use Disorder Support" matter for design?
- This approach ensures that digital tools are not only functional but also culturally relevant and supportive of the user's journey. By prioritizing user agency and community traditions, designers can create more effective and ethical interventions.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Designers must actively involve individuals in recovery as co-creators to develop technologies that are sensitive to their unique needs, values, and the community structures that support their journey.
- What were the main findings?
- Technologies can support twelve-step traditions and practices.. Technology can aid in managing restlessness and moments of crisis.. Users require agency and control over privacy and personal safety in recovery technologies.. Tools for tracking progress and maintaining motivation are valuable.
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative, Participatory Design Workshops.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2018 journal from Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing any support system for vulnerable populations, conduct co-design workshops to understand their specific needs, cultural contexts, and desired levels of control.
- What are the limitations?
- Findings are specific to the experiences of women in recovery and may not be generalizable to all demographics or substance use disorders. The study did not involve the development or testing of actual technological prototypes.