Child-centred framing through design research: a framework for analysing children’s ‘dream wheelchair’ designs to elicit meaning and elevate their voice

Figures & data

Figure 1. Qualitative data formats of children’s “dream wheelchair’ designs.

Bar chart showing the communication mediums used by children to express their designs, and whether they created their design alone or had assistance from an adult, a peer or a sibling.

Table 1. References used to construct the Child-centred Design Analysis Framework.

Reference	Role in the new framework
The conceptual “Three Facets of Language and Art framework’ [49].	Used as the spine of the framework to divide the analysis into segments based on the “Content”, “Context” and “Format” of designs.
“Categories For Reasons A Possession Is Valued” [50].	Used in the “Content” segment to capture expressions of value to the child.
“Hierarchy of User Experience” categories [51].	Used in the “Content” segment to capture key dimensions relating to user experience.
“CMF”, Form, and Metaphors – basic design language considerations in Industrial Design [52].	Used in the “Content” segment to capture references to design language.
The “AEIOU” tool – to structure qualitative observations around activities, environments, interactions, objects, and users [53].	Adapted and used in the “Context” segment to capture relevant contextual references.
PESTLE analysis tool – to analyse external factors that may impact or influence a design [54].	Used in the “Context” segment to capture external influences to the design or child.
Child’s communication medium [30].	Used in the “Format” segment to record the medium used to convey their design.

Figure 2. Child-centred design analysis framework.

A framework consisting of four central vertebrae with groups of related nodes and subnodes branching off each. The first vertebra is titled "Child" and contains the nodes: role, age, selfhood and mindset. The second vertebra is titled "Content" and contains the nodes: Name of design, user experience, design language, value and manufacture consideration. The third vertebra is titled "Context" and contains the nodes of: Activity or participation, environment, object, cultural, relationship, external influence and time. The fourth vertebra is titled "Format" and contains the nodes: communication medium and whose voice/s.

Figure 3. “Dream wheelchair” design analysis results – child.

Bar chart showing information about the children who created the designs, including their age group, perceived role in the design process, their mindset (realist or escapist), and whether they explicitly refer to their disability or medical condition.

Figure 4. “Dream wheelchair” design analysis results – content.

Bar chart showing information about the content of children's designs, including references to design language, manufacture considerations, the name of their design, user experience and values reflected through the design.

Figure 5. “Dream wheelchair” design analysis results – context.

Bar chart showing contextual factors referenced in children's designs, including activities or participation, environment, objects, culture, relationships, other external influences and references to their future.

Figure 6. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs [58].

A pyramid shaped model illustrating the ranking of human needs. Starting with basic needs at the base, psychological needs in the middle, and self-fulfilment needs at the top.

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