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The Caregiving Journey: Arts-Based Methods as Tools for Participatory Co-Design of Health Technologies

Authors :
Evonne Miller
Oksana Zelenko
Source :
Social Sciences, Vol 11, Iss 9, p 396 (2022)
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2022.

Abstract

Being an informal caregiver to a loved one with an illness, disease, or chronic disability is a rewarding but frequently stressful experience. In this design research project, caregivers participated in a half-day workshop to (1) share their caregiving experience, (2) reflect on the potential of a mobile smartphone ‘app’ for carers and (3) co-design this app, as well as in-depth interviews. Our design research process used multiple arts-based methods, including visual experience mapping tools, storytelling, photo-elicitation, documentary photography, cartoons, drawing, and research poetry, to provide rich and empathic insight into daily life as a caregiver and illuminate the potential of technology. Workshop activities included creating a visual collage of lived experience, annotated visual maps illustrating the reality and misconceptions of caregiving, pathways of care, and mapping a day in their life using the visual metaphor of a clock. Carers then trialled and provided feedback on a prototype app, creating a collective map of desired features. This co-design feedback informed the final app design, which was formally launched at a public exhibition showcasing stories collected from our arts and design-led processes. This paper outlines the value of arts and design methods in the design of future health technologies, which provide a critical space for an informed, reflexive, and empathic dialogue about illness and caregiving, resulting in designs that truly met consumer’s needs.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20760760
Volume :
11
Issue :
9
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Social Sciences
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.1ad03d5d74ff418a893f5f033ff467a8
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci11090396