An exploratory study of using speculative artefacts in co-design

ABSTRACT

This paper presents a case study exploring the use of speculative artefacts framed within the Fictional Inquiry co-design technique. The case is derived from a project investigating current practices and potential future strategies to improve patients’ hand hygiene standards at the Department of Oncology of Aarhus University Hospital. This paper explores how five speculative artefacts were designed and used to inquire into participants’ experiences of their hand hygiene, both concerning current practice and future ideas. Our study demonstrates how the speculative artefacts used in Fictional Inquiry supported participant’s immersion and engagement in co-design sessions and how the artefacts were used to maintain momentum throughout the session.

KEYWORDS:

• Speculative artefacts
• props
• co-design
• fictional inquiry
• hospital

Acknowledgments

We thank patients, relatives, and staff of the Oncology Ward of Aarhus University Hospital for participating in the study and to our colleagues Troy Nachtigall and Marie Koldkjær Højlund for assisting with the design process.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus (SDCA), which is partially funded by an unrestricted donation from the Novo Nordisk Foundation as well as Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering at Aarhus University.