JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Co-creation of e-health solutions with potential users, or co-design, can foster acceptability of the solution. However, the co-design research approach requires substantial investment, and projects are not always fruitful.

Objective:

We address this issue by describing a co-design project focusing on participant experience, what was significant from their point-of-view.

Methods:

We used a qualitative approach for this study. Data were collected on a co-design research project aiming to support the help-seeking process of caregivers of functionally dependent older persons. The methodology was based on Dewey’s perspective of experience and the course-of-action theorical framework. Data collection was done in two phases: 1) participant observation and recording of sessions; 2) participant autoconfrontation interviews using the recording of the sessions. We interviewed 20 participants out of 74. We analysed data through nonexclusive emerging categorization of themes with the constant comparative method.

Results:

Four emerging themes were identified. The perceptions of extrinsic constraints and the effects of the situation were the most important theme and were central, affecting other themes (frustrating interactions with others, learning together and destabilisation). Cooccurrences between codes allowed a visual and narrative understanding of what was significant for participant during this project. Reflecting on our results, we provide potential affordances to shape the experience of participants in co-design.

Conclusions:

Potential users are essential for the co-design research approach. Researchers and designers should seek to offer them a positive and contributive experience.