Participatory design of healthcare technology with children

Abstract

Purpose

There are many frameworks and methods for involving children in design research. Human-Computer Interaction provides rich methods for involving children when designing technologies. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines various approaches to involving children in design, considering whether users view children as study objects or active participants.

Findings

The BRIDGE method is a sociocultural approach to product design that views children as active participants, enabling them to contribute to the design process as competent and resourceful partners. An example is provided, in which BRIDGE was successfully applied to developing upper limb prostheses with children.

Originality/value

Approaching design in this way can provide children with opportunities to develop social, academic and design skills and to develop autonomy.

Citation

Sims, T. (2018), "Participatory design of healthcare technology with children", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 31 No. 1, pp. 20-27. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHCQA-11-2016-0162