What Is Psychosocially Inclusive Design? A Definition with Constructs

Abstract

The world of design is fast moving beyond the physicality of experiences. The theory and practice of inclusive design, however, is still largely focused on considerations of physical aspects. This research attempts to fill the gap in understanding of psychosocial inclusivity in design by identifying a formal definition with constructs. Theoretical interrogation of literature (design and non-design fields) together with empirical investigations (semi-structured interviews, a creative workshop and observations) are conducted within two distinct contexts, i.e. older individuals' supermarket shopping and assisted mobility service users. The outcomes are evaluated using expert surveys. A formal definition and four evaluative constructs of psychosocial inclusivity in design are described: Cognitive, Emotional, Social and Value. The results provide first elements of an encompassing definition of psychosocial inclusivity, which is theoretically and empirically informed, and may serve as a guide for design in the future. The research enhances the knowledge of psychosocial inclusivity in design through devising a formal definition and constructs, and details the constructs within two specific contexts of supermarket shopping and assisted mobility.

Keywords:

• older people
• disability
• mobility
• inclusive design
• human-centred design
• psychosocial inclusivity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yonghun Lim

Yonghun Lim is a lecturer and programme leader at Bournemouth University. He is specialized in design for inclusion and human-centred innovation. His research emphasis is on how the design of products, services, system and built environments can be both physically and psychosocially inclusive.

Joseph Giacomin

Joseph Giacomin is a Professor of Human Centred Design at Brunel University. He has over 90 publications and is an editor of Ergonomics and International Journal of Vehicle Noise and Vibration (IJVNV).

Farnaz Nickpour

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.