Venue: Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design
Research question:
How can design identify the unmet needs of young people with low vision and offer nonstigmatizing, desirable and functional low vision devices?
Project aims and objectives:
To work with user groups of young people (12–18), in partnership with VISION 2020 UK, to understand their functional needs, perspectives and aspirations around LVDs.
The project will assess existing products including consumer digital devices and outline opportunities for new design thinking and outputs. Examples of the kinds of products to be assessed include: hand held magnifiers, paperweight type devices (dome magnifiers), illuminated stand devices, telescopic aids and binocular devices.
Explore and understand the lifestyles, and attitudes to LVDs and other relevant devices (such as smartphones and tablets).
Contact us
If interested in taking part or want more information please contact
Mary Bairstow m.bairstow@vision2020uk.org.uk
Tel: 0118 9835555
Website: www.guidedogs.org.uk
Project summary:
There is a need to address the role that design plays in the development of low vision devices LVDs for young people. Historically, there has been an economic argument against LVDs specific to young people, due to the relatively low numbers affected, so in terms of inclusive design practice the subject lends itself to research and development towards appropriate intervention. The project will explore how design can more effectively meet the needs of young people with low vision and offer nonstigmatizing, desirable and functional LVDs.
Tech: Advancements in digital devices such as smartphones and tablets have started to present viable alternatives for portable, lower cost low vision aids, and are commonly used by young people.
Although many people require additional devices and aids to these in order to achieve the best possible vision, these digital devices and associated apps provide an interesting alternative for exploration.
Approach and Methods:
The researchers will organise workshops to produce a range of concepts, which they will analyse to further curate design and research outputs, backed up with a report of qualitative research findings.
User Groups: Young people age 12 – 18 with low vision who have used low vision devices.
Interviews
Repeatedly engage with selected core users (up to six participants) over the project period
Cocreation workshops
Engage with small groups (up to 12 participants)
Focus user group and their peers (up to 18 participants in total)
Method 1: Observation:
Identify opportunities for design and help to quickly understand a particular issue. Uncover the reality of what people really do – as opposed to what they say they do. Looking into what people are trying to achieve rather than just how they are using a product.
Method 2: Interview
Specific questions and detailed insights around specific tasks, activities or issues. It can also outline aspirations, emotional reactions and other hidden/nonspoken information. This will be particularly useful in asking questions around aspirations for LVDs and gaining insight into the difficulties encountered with current devices. An empathic interview, exchange of questions and answers is not seen as scientifically neutral or objective – instead it is a process of collaboration.
Method 3: Design Provocations
(interviews, on home visits and during workshops)
Showing props, sketch concepts or visuals to provoke responses and open the door for conversations with users and set the tone.
Method 4: Cocreation workshops:
Activities allow participants to create ideas and design, as well as answer questions about their lives. Reveal different perspectives from a range of participants and provide a range of insights, opinions and ideas.
Expected Outcomes:
The researchers will organise workshops to produce a range of concepts, from which they will carry out analysis to further curate design and research outputs, backed up with a report of qualitative
research findings.
∙ Design proposals for LVDs for young people with reduced vision
∙ A report with qualitative findings, outlining issues, themes, recommendations and conclusions
Contact us
If interested in taking part or want more information please contact
Mary Bairstow m.bairstow@vision2020uk.org.uk
Tel: 0118 9835555
Website: www.guidedogs.org.uk
