Context mapping

The “Design for Specific Users” project proposes a model for learning environments that draws from designing technologies based on specific user experiences and environments. The Context Mapping Study presents the first experience of the research phase, which also constituted a face-to-face meeting with the assigned specific user as the goal is to design an assistive device that is tailored to them. While the majority of the collaboration will be done with our specific user, the idea is to first concretely look at one use case example and to analyze their contexts and its implications and then, further along the process, target the design towards a broader group with similar needs.

The main framework of this project is the idea that “co-design” is the most powerful tool for the success of the designed assistive technologies in the use environments. Rather than viewing the user as a single static snapshot, the co-design method should encompass a more continuous collaboration and evaluation of the adoption process of the design with the user throughout several phases in time.

The purpose of the study is to investigate the following: (i) societal trends and perspectives on disability: what are at present, the biggest societal challenges with support and care of people with disabilities; (ii) introduction to assistive technologies; (iii) human centered design; (iv) introduction to our specific user; (v) market research on existing products in the market; (vi) co-design. Concluding, further research perspectives and challenges are discussed.

In general, the paper starts with introducing key theories, concepts and topics relevant to the project and the challenges and common pitfalls associated with it, and then zooms in on the specific user and their wants and needs. Thus, based on the findings and insights of the study, a main design challenge can be formulated.

The entire context mapping study can be read here: