A Framework for Transitioning Designerly Ways: Interrogating 50 Years of Inclusive Design for Paediatric Mobility

Abstract

ABSTRACT Inclusive paediatric mobility (IPM) design is a growing field in need of critical and foundational designerly transitions in order to better deal with a wicked problem. This article adopts an illustrative mapping review method to interrogate the past 50 years of IPM design, aiming to identify alternative designerly ways that could help transition the field towards a more desirable long-term future. IPM Design contributions between 1970 and 2020 are mapped chronologically across Theoretical, Methodological, Empirical, and Interventional categories. A Reflection-for-Transition framework of Designerly Ways is developed to identify existing and alternative designerly ways, through categorizing key insights from the mapping review. The framework consists of five interrelated dimensions, including Designerly: Investigations, Processes, Contributions, Collaborations, and Contexts. Proposed alternative designerly ways include: exploring high-level narratives and social imaginaries; shifting focus towards problem-framing, child-centred design and transdisciplinarity; improved documentation and sharing to build a body of knowledge; and exploring extended design contexts.

Keywords:

• designerly ways
• inclusive design
• mapping review
• reflective practice
• transition design
• inclusive paediatric mobility
• child-centred design
• assistive technology

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Hugh Greenwood Fund for Children’s Health Research. Data deposition DOI:10.17632/sfwzw25tjn.1.

Notes on contributors

Cara Shaw

Cara Shaw is an Inclusive Design practitioner and PhD Researcher with expertise in inclusive paediatric mobility. Cara has developed mobility products for a variety of user groups and contexts; from low-cost evolvable walking aids in Peru, and all-terrain wheelchairs in Kenya, to rehabilitation equipment and paediatric power chairs in the UK.

Farnaz Nickpour

Dr Farnaz Nickpour is a Reader in Inclusive Design and Human Centred Innovation at University of Liverpool. Her work explores critical and contemporary dimensions of design for inclusion across Healthcare and Mobility sectors. Farnaz has over 30 publications and leads The Inclusionaries – Lab for Human Centred Innovation.