Enactive methods towards situational learning - engaging people with intellectual and developmental disability in design

Abstract

In this paper we explore how enactive methods may support and enhance the design of mobile solutions for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our project deals with supporting independent public transport and applies enactive methods in order to account for the interdependent nature of technology, disability, and environment. We staged three iterations of a bus workshop and one theatre workshop where real, everyday scenarios were acted out to gain tacit yet crucial insights. These enactive workshops and the prototype testing showed that transport activities are context dependent and unique to each individual. In our case, enactive methods revealed that independent public transport goes beyond a need for reminders, time management and communication, towards the management of unforeseen events. Our work shows how a closer realistic setting may provide more nuanced, personal, and detailed design insights that support emotional and situational understandings of user experiences.