Co-Creating Tools for Touch: applying an inspire-create-play-appropriate methodology for the ideation of therapeutic technologies

Abstract

In this paper we describe an inclusive design lab, undertaken with a charity that offers therapy programmes for individuals affected by Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC), complex needs and behaviour challenges. The design by doing methodology functioned to attune designers to the interests and abilities of people with profound communication difficulties, whilst being mindful of the therapeutic traditions of the charity. Informed by the ethos of participatory design, affective computing and the educational philosophy of Reggio Emilia, the overarching goal of the lab was to generate ideas for technology interfaces that could engage and motivate people with poor verbal communication abilities. The lab was cohered around the exploration of experience prototypes as a method of eliciting ideas, identifying environmental constraints and enabling participants to design their own interactions. To conclude we describe how a video document capturing the event provided an opportunity to reflect on the process and inspire future applications.