Receptive Design Methodologies
Apoorva Avadhana
Advisor: Sarah Ibrahim
Co-design methodologies for accessible physical interactions.
Abstract
"Receptive Design Methodologies" are Human-Centered Design (HCD) approaches that are specifically attuned to and flexible in integrating principles of adaptation, accessibility, and inclusivity throughout the design process. "Receptive" indicates the willingness to listen and incorporate feedback and insights from a range of users with unique needs in physical, cognitive, or sensory function. 1. Adaptation: methodologies allowing the flexibility needed to adjust the design processes to suit the needs of a wider audience. 2. Accessibility: ensuring that all users can access and benefit from the designed solution, regardless of their abilities. 3. Inclusivity. ensuring equitable opportunities for participation and use.
Drawing heavily on the practical tools and strategies employed by occupational therapists, as well as the DIY ethos prevalent within the disability community, the researched methodologies enable grassroots adaptations and incorporate compliance guidelines into a traditional HCD process. Through various making-centric experimental research methods, the outcome consolidates into a few co-design methods for adaptation. This is showcased through a series of physical items adapted using these methods. The project was workshopped with Heartshare, Human Services of New York, and Level the Curve.
Technical Details
Fusion 360, 3D Printing, Research, Low fidelity prototyping, Community partners, co-creation
Research/Context
Current design methods often fall short of effectively addressing the needs of people with disabilities due to an over-reliance on assumptions about' individuals' needs. A prevalent criticism is that such methods' have
traditionally been for rather than with those with disabilities.[1] Existing resources for structuring co-creation sessions, such as the Inclusive Design Toolkit[2] and the CoDesign Guide[3] provide methodologies for involving users in the design process but don't account for the individualized and fluctuating needs of all users.[4] Occupational therapists (OTs) and people with disabilities have long demonstrated employing adaptive innovation[5], that is modifying or using items in
unconventional ways to overcome limitations posed by both the environment and commercially available products for better accessibility and independence. These practical solutions offer valuable insights into the design process,
yet they are often underrepresented in formal' design methodologies[6]. These grassroots adaptations are crucial for performing activities of daily living(ADL), yet need to be adapted to design for not 'one' but 'many'.
Further Reading
References
1. Odugbemi, T. Designing with and not just for people with atypical
bodies and minds. Harvard +raduate School of Design, 2J22p
2. Inclusive design toolkit - engineering design centre.
3. Sanders, E.B.-N. and Stappers, P.J. (PDF) co-creation and the new
landscapes of Design. Researchgate, 2008
4. Story, M.F. Maximizing usability: the principles of universal design.
5. Adaptive innovations. The key to independence for individuals with
disabilities, 2013.
6. Coles, S.S. Design for all. How occupational therapy shapes a more
inclusive world. LinkedIn, 2023.