Tackling reflexivity in human-centred design research to benefit user needs and sensitivities

Longevity research highlights complexities of assessing the elderly’s future needs and impact of design solutions. Especially, the potential for (self-) transformation within human relations or interactions through design work (e.g., through technology) highlights the importance of design (researchers) being more aware of their design decisions and research impact and finding ways to discuss their application of reflexivity; standards of practices still lacking in research communities. This paper presents a ‘work-in-progress’ reflexivity-method for conducting front-end user experience research with participants characterised by highly diverse user needs and sensitivities. During a PhD project, this method evolved from grounded research and four case studies with 120 mixed-gender pre-schoolers, 2.5—6-years, at a kindergarten. The goal was to improve a researcher’s reflexivity when developing activities, tools, and environments by prioritising context-based discovery of relational, emotional, and social vulnerabilities impacting user well-being. Video and audio materials indicate that a researcher’s reflexivity concerning sensitivities and paradigm awareness are beneficial design strategies to encourage motivation, expression skills, and mastery. This paper offers a dialogue tool for practising precise reflexivity. Its innovative framework may spark discussions on how child-centred methods can inform reflexive standards, practices, and the impact of designing for vulnerable adult groups, such as the elderly.