JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Experiences of mental distress are considered difficult to communicate, particularly experiences of psychosis. Research indicates that the frequently employed medical focus falls short in capturing the nuanced interpersonal dynamics that these altered states may involve. Psychosis may seem very different from a lived experience perspective than it does from a traditional psychiatric perspective. This calls for innovative lived-experience-based methodologies. This paper presents the development and preliminary evaluation of a design prototype designed to strengthen the role of people experiencing psychosis in the care process.

Objective:

The aim of this research is twofold. First, this study aims to co-design an approach supported by generative design methodology that enables clients to share their experiences in their own way and evaluate the developed approach with dyads of clients who experienced a first episode of psychosis and professionals. Second, it aims to provide a clear and transparent design rationale for the approach, enabling future designers and researchers to understand its intention.

Methods:

The study involved co-design workshops, a small-scale test phase with seven client-professional dyads, the generation of qualitative data through semi-structured interviews, and deductive and inductive thematic analyses.

Results:

The In Picture Approach was co-designed and tested. Findings indicate that the developed prototype stimulated motivation, dialogue, and reflection of clients, with professionals reporting improved insight into their clients and some care plans being reconsidered. While the exercises themselves were not always the source of new insights, the conversations they provoked proved meaningful. Clients felt seen and empowered, often taking initiative beyond what was expected.

Conclusions:

The paper positions the prototype as a potential boundary object that supports the alignment of experiential and professional knowledge. Guided by the Layers in Serious Media Design and Design Research Frameworks, the design process and design rationale are described, allowing future researchers and designers to learn from key design choices made in this project. Further development and long-term integration are recommended.