Author: Jane Bringolf

Co-designing with young people

Student voices are important in the design of health and wellbeing infrastructure. Being young does not automatically mean being fit and healthy especially in low socio-economic areas. The ability to share public space and support services is essential to wellbeing at any age. Co-designing with young people provides opportunities to include their perspectives.

Infrastructure development is increasingly being used as a way to support the wide-ranging health and wellbeing needs of target communities. But few projects directly involve children and young people with other stakeholders as key contributors to decision-making.

Four children are in an open space with buildings in the background. They are jumping in the air and holding hands.

Children and young people have increasingly complex health and wellbeing needs and there are insufficient spaces and services to meet demand. Researchers at Queensland University of Technology tackle this issue by involving children and young people in the design of a wellbeing infrastructure project.

Place-based approaches refer to connecting infrastructure decision-making with the needs of a local community. It takes a cross-sectoral view of the interrelated infrastructure and amenity needs of a place, and identifies how these should be delivered.

A group of young men and women are standing together outside a coffee shop. They are wearing warm clothes and holding mobile phones.

Community hubs

Community hubs are typically multipurpose places that often include health and other community services. In most cases this is both appropriate and cost-efficient. However, few projects directly involve children and young people in the design process.

The research project involved high school students, teachers and other stakeholders in designing a new community hub. This hub is to be co-located at a high school in a community with high health and wellbeing needs.

Co-design and participation

Inclusive co-design with and for children and young people requires support to participate and keep them interested. There are four key factors: Space, Voice, Audience, and Influence:

  • Provide safe and inclusive spaces for views to be expressed
  • Give support and information for expressing views
  • Those in authority must listen to the views shared
  • Views must be taken seriously and acted upon by those with the power to influence or make decisions.
A work table is filled with paper and folders and a woman is cutting a piece of paper with scissors. It looks like a group of people are working on a design.

The article outlines the methods and provides illustrative examples of the students’ views and ideas. Feeling connected to the space was the overarching concept agreed by all stakeholder groups. The diagram taken from the research paper shows the four functions of the hub: community, health, social, and preventative health.

A diagram from the paper. It has four overlapping ovals with a fifth in the centre labelled as The Hub. The others are community function, Health Service Function, Social Function, and Preventative Health Function.

The co-design process revealed the essential nature of the social function – something not previously considered by the organisations involved. The process also provided an opportunity to “flesh out” what the social function might entail.

The title is, Co-designing place-based co-located health and wellbeing infrastructure and services with high school students, educators, and health service providers.

From the abstract

This research involved working with high school students, teachers, Guidance officers/School Counsellors, and other stakeholders. The project involved co-designing a new Community Hub co-located at a high school in a high-priority community .

We describe the co-design processes for engaging children and young people and adult stakeholders in the ideation and design phase of infrastructure and service development. The object is to support the health and wellbeing of a high priority community with high health needs.

The key insights pointed a way forward for the next stages of infrastructure and service delivery development. it also led to the development of several visual depictions of the complexities of stakeholder interests. Meaningful engagement of potential future users of place-based integrated health and wellbeing services enables responsive infrastructure designs that meet future needs of both target communities and service providers.

Young people and co-design

Two male adolescents sit on the kerb looking at the phones. Young people.

The views and experiences of young people are often left on the sidelines. Yet they have most to lose or gain in the way society evolves.  So perhaps they should be the ones to craft strategies and approaches for creating the futures they want. Co-design methods are clearly the way to get young people participating in social change processes in their local area. 

A study focusing on young people creating social change using co-creation techniques provides some useful insights. The aim of the researcher’s exploratory framework was to capture the explicit and implicit aspirations of young individuals. This approach also serves to increase our understanding of how to engage with young people. 

The paper explains the methodology of ‘now-wow-how’ phases. This method was selected for accessibility and relevance in facilitating conversations with people unfamiliar with design skills. The co-design process used different tools at different stages. 

A section of the paper is devoted to a critical reflection on what could have worked better. For example the author feels the school-based venue potentially limited explorative inquiries. 

The study showed that exploratory co-creative sessions with young people can yield innovative insights to inform more direct change.  Such sessions require tools that resonate with young peoples’ experiences while also stimulating both critical and creative thinking.

This paper provides details of the project’s structure, methodologies, and outcomes. In so doing, it provides insights into the processes of co-creation within community development and the empowerment of youth.

The title of the article is Young 2.0: advancing an inclusive framework for co-creating futures with youth.

From the abstract

This study presents an inclusive research approach aimed at cultivating inclusivity and co-creating future living environments that resonate with young peoples’ needs and aspirations.

Through co-creative activities, the project captured insights into the lived experiences and future ambitions of young participants. The findings identify some of the entrenched norms and activities that spurred empathy and inclusive thinking through making and enactment.

The project contributes to the initiatives, strategies and methods for young people to shape the future of their hometown. The ‘Young 2.0’ project serves as a microcosm of the potential inherent in co-design to serve as a conduit for youth to express and enact their visions for a more inclusive society.

Participation and co-creation in healthcare

A special issue on co-creation in healthcare research has several related open access articles. The first is Practices of Participation and Co-Creation in Healthcare: A Workshop Report.

Abstract

Participatory research in the health sector is fraught with obstacles. In particular, choosing appropriate methods to involve the heterogeneous stakeholders in the health system can be difficult. Not only are time constraints and hierarchies between professional (and non-professional) healthcare actors a challenge, but also dealing with patients who may have different physical and psychological limitations.

Accordingly, not all qualitative methods are applicable to all stakeholder groups. Limitations such as speech or visual impairments can make it difficult to participate in focus groups or design workshops. With a workshop at the European Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work in 2024, we discussed experiences and lessons learned with participatory methods in the health sector. The workshop showed how different challenges were dealt with and thus opened up a space for reflection on participatory projects.

Other articles in this issue look at using visual metaphors, ideation, and challenges in participation of vulnerable groups in design processes.

Shaping perceptions of ageing

An interesting finding in a report on ageism is that there is a lack of people willing to talk about older people and ageing. That is, compared to other interest groups. I wonder if this is true. Or is it part of the general stereotyping or prejudice that the report has highlighted? Are age advocacy groups and researchers invisible as well? The report is about perceptions of ageing.

“It is vital that older people are humanised and valued in mainstream culture, with their voices amplified, and the issues they face told in an accurate and balanced way.” Robert Fitzgerald AM, Age Discrimination Commissioner

A child is kneeling down by the side of a lily pond. Her mother on one side and her grandmother on the other, also kneeling down. Grandfather is standing behind watching them.

Although the Human Rights Commission’s report is about older people, ageism can happen at any age. Young people are just as likely to experience ageism as well. Demographers and marketers divide the population into segments, which isn’t helpful especially when assigning specific characteristics to each group.

The executive summary of the Human Rights Commission’s report begins with a good explanation of ageism:

“Ageism refers to the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) directed towards people based simply on their age. Ageism remains pervasive and normalised … it is one of the most socially accepted forms of prejudice in Australia.”

Four older men wearing hats sit at a square table in the park.

The media shapes perceptions

Demographers and marketers aside, the media plays an important role in reflecting and shaping how older people are perceived. Finding appropriate experts to talk about older people, and not just ageism, is key. But they have to be aware of their own stereotyping too.

The late Stella Young called out “inspiration porn” for people with disability. We must do the same for older people. Anything that a younger person can do should not become an inspirational story when an older person does it. It might be a human interest story for the media but it reinforces stereotypes albeit positive.

Conversely, older people are more often portrayed as a burden on society. Stories reflect the deficit model of inability, incapacity and vulnerability. Terms such as “the elderly” immediately stereotype everyone over a certain age as all being the same. However, the term “elderly” should not be confused with respectful term “elders” used in Indigenous communities.

Three opportunities for action

No experts: The reports suggests the media and the age sectors should get together to address the expert and advocate gap. Reshaping the narrative on ageing is a must.

Training: The best way to address the gap in media education and training is by the media co-designing training with advocates of older people. The age sector can also support and inform editorial practices on age-related reporting.

Community education: A communication campaign for the broader community is another key opportunity for change. More accurate and diverse representation of ageing as well as the coverage of different age groups is essential.

The title of the report is, Shaping Perceptions: How Australian Media Reports on Ageing (2024). You can download the full report of 46 pages, or the Summary report from the Human Rights Commissison web page.

Front cover of the report. Shaping Perceptions: How Australian Media Reports on Ageing. By the Human Rights Commission.

The full report has some interesting and revealing comments by journalists, producers and editors. Their take on the subject of the lack of experts able to speak to the media is especially enlightening.


Accessible and inclusive events

The three minute video from Instagram below is a speedy run-through of the site features that make the place accessible and inclusive. No rocket science here, but some good products. Ability Fest is for everyone – it is not a “Disability Fest”. That is the one problem of using the term “ability” when really meaning inclusive.

Dylan Alcott loves music festivals but they make it almost impossible for people with disability to enjoy them. Hence his Ability Fest project.

People standing watching a band on stage. There are fireworks in the background. Inclusive and accessible events.

The following videos are an education for all major event managers. Alcott showcases all the different features that make events accessible and inclusive.

In the next video, Alcott explains the background to making an accessible festival.

In the following video, the event manager explains the planning and the features required.

A longer interview with Dylan Alcott where he provides his personal motivation for the events, and covers how they cater for different disabilities. He makes a good point when addressing access and inclusion. He says that accessibility and inclusion are two different things, but you need both – one is no good without the other. The video is 17 minutes but you can cut to the chase at 4 minutes.

The detail provided in these videos makes it easy for event and festival managers to make all their events inclusive and accessible. Ability Fest is not a “special” disability event – it is for everyone. At last you can take your friend with a disability with you to a festival. Alcott hopes to make his job redundant because all festivals will be accessible and inclusive.

See also the section on inclusive and accessible events on this website.

Universal design at a food festival

This research has a paywall but the abstract is available. The title of the paper is, Constraints and Facilitators, Universal Design and Event Experience: Accessibility of Facilities at a Food Festival.

Accessibility barriers in festivals inhibit engaging festival experiences for the general public. This study aimed to examine the accessibility of facilities at the Macau Food Festival (MFF) by applying the theories of leisure constraints and facilitators, leisure negotiation and universal design principles. 

People stand at a baker's stall waiting to purchase food.

Participant observation and qualitative semi-structured interviews with 25 festival participants were conducted. Findings revealed mixed perceptions of the facilities. Several aspects such as unclear festival layout and insufficient toilets were contrary to universal design principles and constrained visitors’ engagement. However, online payment devices and shuttle buses facilitated festival engagement. 

Accessibility played an important role in influencing visitors’ experiences and behavioural outcomes such as revisit intention, word-of-mouth, and leisure negotiation strategies. This study provides a new approach for evaluating the accessibility of facilities in food festivals. Practical implications regarding accessibility of festival and event facilities are suggested along with numerous avenues for future research.

Festivals and markets for everyone

Organisers of festivals, markets and events need to think about accessibility and inclusion in their planning. Ordering an accessible Portaloo doesn’t suddenly make the event accessible. The layout of stalls and entertainment areas also need to be considered. 

Lee Wilson makes a plea to organisers of festivals and markets for more inclusive thinking in his post on Linked In. He gives an overview of things to think about and that includes emergency procedures.

A woman holding a baguette is reaching across a market stall

Information should also be accessible, particularly to people who do not read English well, or have low vision. Auslan interpreters and audio describers make festivals and events enjoyable for people who are deaf or blind. There are several good resources on making events inclusive:

Accessible Events Checklist from the WA Government

Accessible Events Guide from Meetings and Events Australia

The City of Sydney’s Vivid Festivals have a high level of accessibility which is planned from the outset

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Older people in the media

Words matter. Our perceptions, beliefs and attitudes are shaped by the words we see and hear. The media relies on words for their work which has the power to influence, uphold or denigrate. Journalists must check their words for perpetuating stereotypes that harm, albeit unintentionally. The ageing sector must do the same. Yes, even older people perpetuate stereotypes in the language they use too.

The Australian Human Rights Commission has produced a report on how the media reports on ageing and older people.

“How we view the world and those around us is largely shaped by what we read, what we hear and what we watch. Media informs how we see
and treat others, and even how we see and treat ourselves.”
– Robert Fitzgerald AM, Age Discrimination Commissioner

Front cover of the report. Shaping Perceptions: How Australian Media Reports on Ageing. By the Human Rights Commission.

Ageism is one of the most socially accepted forms of prejudice in Australia. The media industry and the age sector must improve the accuracy, quantity and quality of coverage of the issues.

Image from the report showing a bank of screens and monitors and a woman sitting looking at them. There is a keyboard on the desk.

In the video below, Robert Fitzgerald explains that the overwhelming portrayal of older people is in the negative. This is particularly so when talking about health and aged care. The framing is that of a burden on society without recognising how this language impacts older people themselves. It also impacts policy-makers and private enterprise when it comes to providing goods and services.

Positive portrayals can also stereotype

The media and marketing professionals like to segment the population into age groups. They assume people in these age groups all have something in common or behave in a particular way. They also assume that each group is different from each other and have little in common. This is stereotyping. Even positive stereotyping is harmful especially when pitting older and younger cohorts against each other.

Highlighting a few prominent older Australians as being highly productive or contributing to society is portrayal by exception. It is only their age that makes it a story. For example a woman of 90 years, usually described as a “grandmother” taking a parachute jump. The only other time parachute jumpers make the news is if their parachute failed.

Ageing is not a charity case any more

Ageing and aged care left the charity model last century, but some aspects linger on. For example, special weeks or international days for older people only serve to perpetuate stereotypes and patronise. Stereotyping behaviour is difficult to overcome – it’s ingrained into our culture.

Key findings from the report

There are known and real issues with Australian media portrayals of ageing and older people. The prevailing narrative is of decline, frailty and vulnerability. Their everyday lived experience is invisible to the media.

Australian media representations reflect a broader mainstream culture that undervalues older people. Their issues are often regarded as ‘less than’ those affecting other groups.

The culture of undervaluing older people underpins media industry drivers. Some of these briefly include:

  • Lack of access to subject matter experts – people who can speak on ageing
  • Invisibility of age withing the diversity and inclusion space
  • Time, resources and lack of experienced journalists
  • Business drivers and ‘click bait’ nature of reporting especially around intergenerational tensions.
An older woman sits in an armchair. She is wearing a purple knitted jacket and is smiling into the camera. Ageing is ordinary.

The report reviews current knowledge and evidence on age and ageing and the way Australia media presents it. The title of the full report is, Shaping Perceptions: How Australian Media Reports on Ageing. There is also a summary report with the findings and opportunities for change. Even advocates for older people can fall into the trap of using language that patronises or emphasises ‘specialness’.

See also Ageing is ordinary and also Ageism, Attitudes and Stereotypes.

Spaces for all ages

Urban landscape with shade trees and lots of casual seating with people sitting.

Viewing older people through the prism of health and disability ignores their continuing contribution to society.  The 2015 Intergenerational Report talks of the ‘three Ps’ – population, participation and productivity. But where is the fourth P – policy? 

Emily Millane discusses the issues of ageism, employment and social participation in a percapita report. She asks, where is the fourth P, policy, and argues we need policies to overcome age discrimination in all its forms. This includes the design of public spaces, parks and streets. Urban design plays an important role here. It needs to capture all ages and foster interaction between generations. This strategy might be easier than changing community attitudes in the short term.

Older people are considered lesser value than others – something highlighted by the Royal Commission into Aged Care. By perpetuating the idea of being less capable or being a burden on society affects attitudes that are hard to shift. It also affect attitudes older people have about themselves.

The report is titled, Spaces for All Ages: policies for an inclusive Australia.

This report follows on from The head, The Heart and The House. 

Retrofitting for the Olympic Games

The retrofitting of Olympic and Paralympic Games venues for accessibility tends to focus on the Paralympic Games, para-athletes. While we continue with this discourse inclusion will continue to be seen as a parallel and separate endeavour. Both Games need the same levels of accessibility and inclusion and should therefore be discussed as one event, not two.

“This effort goes beyond simply following established guidelines; it calls for a deeper commitment to embracing both the letter and the spirit of universal design principles.”

“… effective transformation is contingent on targeted retrofitting strategies rooted in universal design and a commitment to inclusivity among all stakeholders.”

An empty sports stadium with rows of blue seats set around a green playing field.

Focus on wheelchair users is not the end but the beginning

We have entered an era of conservation when it comes to staging major international events. The Olympic and Paralympic committees now want to see existing facilities upgraded rather than new infrastructure. While this might tick sustainability boxes, not all venues can be easily adapted. While basic access can be improved, it is questionable whether inclusion is attained for all.

A literature review looks at past Olympic and Paralympic sporting and spectator facilities. The researchers found that relying on existing regulatory frameworks are an insufficient condition for access and inclusion. Reflections on past events reveal the importance of going beyond basic compliance. And that means taking a universal design approach.

Universal design is needed

A universal design approach promotes the need to meet inclusive standards, not just compliance standards. Modifications to the layout and architecture are important and need the integration of specialised equipment and designated areas for the diverse range of athletes and spectators.

Embracing these standards as a catalyst for innovation rather than mere compliance fosters the pursuit of excellence and aligns with the spirit of the Paralympic Games.

The title is, Enhancing Access and Inclusion: The Retrofitting of Olympic Facilities for the Paralympic Games. The authors recommend a systematic evaluation of universal design in sports complexes with a focus on tangible benefits for all. Paralympic Games can act as a catalyst for universally accessible and inclusive sports facilities.

From the abstract

This paper examines the significance of retrofitting initiatives in creating accessible sports environments. By modifying existing venues, these efforts accommodate the
unique needs of individuals with disabilities, enhancing both athlete participation and the spectator experience.

Key retrofitting strategies, such as installing wheelchair ramps and accessible seating, contribute to a more equitable environment. Addressing the specific needs of Paralympic athletes and spectators demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity in sports.

Beyond the Paralympic Games, retrofitted facilities set a standard for future events and public venues, promoting societal inclusivity. This paper highlights how retrofitting fosters equality in both sports and society, emphasizing its role in advancing an inclusive and accessible future.

Tokyo’s Olympic legacy acknowledges population ageing

The two mascots, for the Tokyo Olympic Games, one in pink and one in blue. They look like dolls with big ears and eyes. Although Japan has the oldest population in the world, creating accessible urban spaces is making very slow progress. Tokyo aimed to have all parts of the city that linked to the Olympic venues completely barrier-free. That includes buildings, transportation, services and open spaces. Tokyo’s Olympic legacy is discussed in an open access book chapter. 

Deidre Sneep discusses the issues regarding the urban design legacy in the Japanese context and commercialisation. The title of the book chapter on page 91 is, Discover tomorrow: Tokyo’s ‘barrier-free’ Olympic legacy and the urban ageing population. It’s free to download, but if you have institutional access you can access the journal article version.

One interesting aspect is that some argue that the government’s guide to promote a ‘barrier-free spirit’ makes it sound like an act of friendliness. Any kind of patronising attitude or slogan only serves to maintain marginalisation as the norm. Posters focus on young people and make barrier-free a special design. There are no older people in the pictures.

The implementation of the universal design concept is increasingly commercialised says Sneep. This is likely due to the history of universal design in Japan. One of the first international universal design conferences was held in Japan in 2002, and was led by giant product manufacturers such as Mitsubishi. The International Association for Universal Design (IAUD) remains active. 

In 2020 Tokyo will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games for the second time in history. With a strong emphasis on the future – Tokyo’s slogan for the Olympic Games is ‘Discover Tomorrow’ – Tokyo is branded as city of youth and hope. Tokyo’s demographics, however, show a different image: in the coming decades, it is expected that well over a third of the citizens will be over 65. Despite the focus on a youthful image, Tokyo is well aware of the fact that its demographics are rapidly shifting.

Governmental bodies have been actively trying to find solutions for anticipated problems related to the ageing population for decades. One of the solutions discussed and implemented is highlighted by the 2020 Olympics: the implementation of universal design in public spaces in the city in order to make it more easily accessible – in other words, making Tokyo ‘barrier-free’ (bariafurī).

This chapter presents the concept of ‘barrier-free’ in a Japanese setting, critically analyses the history and current implementation of the concept, pointing out that it seems to be increasingly commercialised, and evaluates the purpose of implementing the concept in the light of the 2020 Olympic Games.

 

A public toilet is a human right

Most people can stall their hunger or thirst for a while, but some people find their bladder and bowels are more demanding. Access to clean usable public toilets are essential for everyone, but their designs are often lacking.

Joe Manton writes about the issues of gender inclusive toilets in the Spring 2024 issue of Access Insight.

All gender restroom sign. Black background with white text and icons.

A previous post discussed the assumptions underpinning the assignment of gender neutral toilets. Manton provides a more detailed perspective using the lived experience of people. Here is a sample of the topics covered. 

Toilet anxiety and security

Public toilet anxiety can arise for different reasons. For some it is a phobia about being able to use the toilet or being too far from one. For others it’s a fear of having an accident in public, other people hearing you, cleanliness, or sharing a space with others. 

Gender diversity

People who are gender diverse often lack access to a safe public toilet. They can be ridiculed, abused, threatened or assaulted if they use single gendered toilets. Consequently, something as basic as going to the toilet can cause increased levels of anxiety and depression.

When forced to use all gender toilets, women feel unsafe, and men feel constrained in their interactions with women in this public space. Social and cultural perspectives also impact the way people feel about using public toilets. 

Toilet wait times

The USA Potty Parity movement says that in busy facilties, women can wait up to 34 times longer than men. They also have to spend more time than men. Time to remove clothing, and at times, deal with feminine hygiene, see to children or help an older relative.  

What the standards say

The current status of the National Construction Code includes mandated requirements for sanitary facilities. Depending on the building classification it includes, male, female, ambulant male, ambulant female, unisex accessible, and accessible adult change facilities. 

There is no mandated requirement for all gender toilets, baby change areas, and assistance animal relief areas. 

Manton argues that there is convincing evidence to retain separate male and female toilets. Being trans or non-binary is not a disability and some feel uncomfortable about using an accessible toilet. It also signals to others that their identity is in some way a disabling condition. In a way, it is, because without suitable facilities they are disabled by design. 

Unisex accessible toilets

The number of unisex accessible toilets in buildings according to the Construction Code is based on disability. It does not account for the number of other people who need to use this facility. Often a baby change table is installed, so parents with prams and small children also use them. 

Manton provides detailed information in the article about standards and discusses all gender toilets in detail. She also covers toilet design considerations and proposed amendments to the Construction Code. 

The title of the article is, It’s a Right to go to the toilet – Not a Privilege. This is an update to the previous article in 2021 All gender toilets: We just want to go to the toilet.

A gender neutral toilet sign with a graphic of the top half of a person and a graphic of a wheelchair user. The text says this facility is for everyone.See also the excellent discussion by Nicole Kalms and Laura McVey in Commentary on Let Us Pee.

They argue “the proposed legislative changes for the provision of ‘all gender’, ‘gender-neutral’ or ‘unisex’ toilets operate under an incorrect assumption that gender neutrality will lead to greater inclusion”.

Books on inclusive design

This post features four books on the topic of inclusive design, accessibility and social justice.

Living Disability: Building Accessible Futures for Everybody is a book of essays written by Canadians with disability. It expresses their lived experience, their battles, their advocacy.

Front cover of the Living Disability book. It has an abstract background with black text.

The book is about being disabled in public and the privilege of having a private place to call home. It provides cross sectional views from colonialism to cycling, and from art to recycling. The style of writing is engaging and carries the reader through vibrant perspectives on disability justice and urban systems. Order from Coach House Books, or other booksellers. 

Design for inclusion conference papers

Design for inclusion: Accelerating Open Access Science in Human Factors Engineering and Human-Centered Computing is not just about computing. It includes papers on museums and cultural heritage, recycling, product design, urban mobility, vehicle design, door designs, map design, inclusive gaming, inclusive web design.

Front cover of the book of conference proceedings on Design for Inclusion.

This open access book of conference papers addresses age-friendly environments, disability, dementia, learning systems, clothing, digital media and more. Many really interesting papers from around the globe.

Of topical interest is a paper by Satoshi Kose, a well known Japanese academic on the legacy of their 2020 Games. Kose expressed his concern about accessibility in 2016 and in 2024 he reviews the progress or lack thereof. The title is, How far has Japanese accessibility improved with Tokyo 2020 Olympics/Paralympics?

Humans and the planet

Flourish by Design is a book about designing for a better tomorrow. The book explores the difference that design can make for people, organisations, and the planet.

The editors are so keen for change they have made it open access.

Front cover of Flourish by Design. A bright green background with black and white lettering.

Flourish by Design has 32 chapters covering a diversity of design ideas and issues. “Design impacts everyday life, shaping the way we engage with the world and those around us. This is not simply limited to the ‘us’ as human beings but also the many other species we share the planet with.”

Everyone needs low carbon designs

Building for People: Designing Livable, Affordable, Low Carbon Communities. Architect and ecodistrict planner Michael Eliason makes the case for low-carbon ecodistricts drawing from his experience working in Europe and North America.

Front cover of the book building for people.

Eliason shows the potential for new climate-adaptive ecodistricts that address housing shortages while simultaneously planning for climate change. Ecodistricts incorporate social housing, invest in open space, and have infrastructure that adapts to climate change. Eliason also looks at public health, livability, climate adaptation, and quality of life are interconnected. Full-color photos and illustrations show what is possible in ecodistricts around the world.

A housing ‘crisis’ for everyone

The media tends to look at the housing crisis from a middle class young-middle aged point of view. This is an ageist perspective because it leaves out everyone else not in this age bracket. Those left out include older people, young people in shared houses, and people with disability. These groups are always absent from the discussions and therefore remain invisible.

Melissa Marsden writes, “…this leads me to conclude that housing will continue to be placed within a discourse of ageism rather than a discourse of privilege. Where age or impairment are treated as unrelated issues, the crisis is only becoming more divisive.”

A small model of a house with a gable roof sits on a table with a set of house keys next to it.

Marsden’s short article provides a perspective consistently missing from all housing debates in the media and in policy development.

Marsden uses the ABC TV’s Insiders discussion program to highlight some of the issues missing from the discussion. The age debate focuses on younger people being locked out of the housing market. These younger people are assumed to have good jobs and reasonable incomes. That’s not all younger people and especially not younger people with disability.

While not the largest group by number, women aged 55 plus are the fastest growing group experiencing homelessness. Not all older people are superannuated retirees owning their own home. And some older people are caring for adult children with disability. Where is this group in the debate?

Almost all people with disability live in private homes – not specialised homes – not any more. But the media (and governments) still have outdated ideas about the aspirations of people with disability. Of course they would love to own their own home and be independent.

There is more about housing, housing design, and the Livable Housing Standard in the Housing Design section of this website.

Co-design and citizen science

Co-design is a term that emerged in the field of accessible and inclusive design. But co-design methods have been around for a long time in one form or another. Academics will recognise this as Participatory Action Research. Citizen science is a version of co-design that has its roots in environmental monitoring. This method is now used in urban planning and design.

Co-design and citizen science have similar principles. The common theme is being inclusive – that the people affected by design decisions help to shape them.

Older people sit at round tables discussing questions. There are four round tables shown in this picture. Citizen science.

Is citizen science the same as co-design?

Citizen science, participatory action research, and co-design methods are all basically the same, but have roots in different disciplines.

Co-design strategies vary according to the context and complexity of the project as do citizen science projects. The Fifth Estate has an article that discusses citizen science as a method of community engagement in planning. It explains citizen science as a type of research that actively involves members of the public in the research process. Regardless, it makes sense to involve users in the process of the design. This is something the universal design movement has been advocating for some time. 

“Citizen science has a long history in conservation and environmental monitoring, but has grown in momentum in recent years across a range of disciplines, including planning and urban design.”

A cityscape with a foreground of parkland and woodland.

Walkability in Tasmania

A citizen science approach was used in Tasmania. Residents audited the the local environment for barriers to walking. They identified priorities by using a walkability assessment tool taking photos, and participating in workshops. The information gathered was not only useful at a local level, but at state and national levels as well. 

“Our use of citizen science is enabling researchers, policy makers and community members to work together to generate data and establish priorities to support walkability that reflects community needs.”

A person with a back pack stands at the end of a boardwalk and is overlooking a lake nestled between mountains in Tasmania.

The article concludes that community engagement in planning is hard to do well. However, citizen science and customised technology are useful tools to shape urban design based on resident experiences. The title of the article is, Using citizen science to bring people back into planning walkable and healthy places. There is a link to more resources from Communities 4 Walkability. 

Doing citizen design science

Citizen design science is a synthesis of citizen science and design science that uses a bottom-up approach. The transformation of a car park into a multifunctional public space is the subject of a citizen science paper from Turkey. The authors explain the project and how they went about engaging with citizens. The co-design process relies on communication between designers, residents, visitors and the local authority.

An additional outcome of the project was to establish a Citizen Participation Unit within the municipal authority to facilitate citizen coordination.

Graphic depiction of the Citizen Design Science framework.

A key element of successful co-design is finding ways to design with non-designers through every stage of the project. Establishing a common language is essential for understanding the needs and thoughts of all participants. The authors break down the process into three parts:

  • Citizen science – type of data collected from participation
  • Citizen design – citizens actively design
  • Design science – translation of citizens’ ideas into designs by expert designers

The study showed that people without prior design knowledge are able to work constructively with professional designers.

Four photos here. Top two show three dimensional modeling of concepts. Two bottom photos show people sitting at tables outdoors discussing designs.

The title of the paper is, Co-Design of a Public Space and the Implementation: Atakent (Car) Park. The paper has several illustrations of the project.

From the abstract

Citizen Design Science is a co-design strategy for urban and architectural systems that uses design tools for citizens’ observation, experience, and local knowledge. The strategy improves the planning, design, and management of cities, urban habitats, and architectural structures.

This study is about the transformation of Atakent Car Park Area into a public space using a co-design process. Using design science data, two conceptual urban design projects were prepared. This included 178 local citizens’ wishes, needs, and suggestions about the area. Participating citizens were asked to vote for their preferred project and the selected conceptual design was implemented. Laypersons without prior design knowledge were able to establish a common language with a professional designer.

Age-friendly green space by citizen science

In many cities at least a quarter of the population will be over the age of 65 years by 2030. Adelaide in South Australia has one of the oldest populations at 37% over the age of 50. So this is a good place to run a citizen science pilot with older residents.

The method involved the use of smart phones to collect data, and the development of audit tools. The participants were encouraged to go about their daily lives so that the data reflected their natural life.

A line of street trees line the roadway.

While the data were not the main focus of the project, several important design elements emerged. In order of importance they were: seating, street trees, natural bushland, park trees and lakes/river/ocean. The researchers noted that public green spaces in local neighbourhoods may be seen as “green corridors” – a conduit to everyday life rather than destinations in themselves. They conclude that citizen science methods are a good way to implement age-friendly urban design at a detailed level. 

The title of the paper is Using Citizen Science to Explore Neighbourhood Influences on Ageing Well: Pilot Project.

From the abstract

The quality of public green spaces is mostly measured through expert assessments by planners, designers and developers. A disadvantage of this expert-determined approach is that it often does not consider the appraisals or perceptions of residents. Daily experience, often over long periods of time, means older residents have acquired insider knowledge of their neighbourhood, and thus, may be more qualified to assess these spaces, including measuring what makes a valued or quality public green space.

Age-friendly university with citizen science

And a university campus provides a neat environment for a case study. Researchers at the University of Manitoba went about examining the age-friendliness of their campus using specific citizen science techniques. This is all documented in their article, Exploring University Age-Friendliness Using Collaborative Citizen Science.

The main aim was to test the method, but the data collected were useful as well. The data revealed physical accessibility, signage, and transportation as being the most important for improving overall age-friendliness. 

The University of Manitoba is a grand university building.

The age-friendly university initiative began in Ireland at the Dublin City University and has turned into a global network. Academic institutions looking to complete assessments of their age-friendliness, particularly those exploring physical barriers and supports, could benefit from incorporating older citizen scientists into the process of collecting, analyzing, and mobilizing findings. You can read more about this global movement in a Forbes article.   

Young people and digital exclusion

Much is discussed about older people and digital exclusion, but this ageist thinking leaves young people out of the discussion. Hence the stereotype of young people being more digitally literate than older cohorts. Not all young people or older people are all the same. Often they have more in common than not. Access to digital devices and digital news and information is a problem for both groups. It just depends on the individual, their background, culture, education and experiences, not their age.

The challenge is to consider young people’s diverse backgrounds in digital design. Digital exclusion restricts social and democratic participation.

Two male adolescents sit on the kerb looking at the phones. Young people and digital exclusion.

A literature review by three researchers in Portugal offer some insights and challenges to the digital media world. Digital media play an important role in young people’s development and learning processes. However, not all young people are the same and some media can also become sources of exclusion.

Gender, race, and socioeconomics intersect

Gender, race, and socioeconomic, cultural, and educational backgrounds intersect and interact leading to compound disadvantages. Too often younger people are seen as well-equipped to consume digital media without considering diversity. Not all young people have attributes that make them more tech-capable. But what is more important is how young people engage with media and how they connect with the world.

Links between young people, news and citizenship

The researchers focused on studies that link young people, news, and their digital citizenship. We need to know more about how young people think, behave and feel, and what they expect from news. Access to news is essential for understanding and participating in democracies. It is part of the quest for enhancing inclusive citizenship.

Researchers suggest there is an “academic urgency to study, both quantitatively and qualitatively, young people and their diversity profiles in media consumption and production in their daily contexts…”

A young woman sits at a desk with her laptop open. She has her face covered by her hands and is indicating distress

Social and digital exclusion affects each individual’s life and social connection. Stigmatisation, and the gap between those with access to technology and education and those who lack digital citizenship competencies, is evident.

There is an urgent need for research to consider the particularities of the individuals who make up groups rather than focusing on assumed similarities. Diversity is broad and challenging, but focusing on it contributes to understanding the cultural, social, and ideological forces that shape society, its groups, and individuals. We are each all the better for understanding each other.

The title of the article is, Young People’s Diversity and Digital Media: A Systematic
Review (2010–2022).

From the abstract

YouNDigital aims to study youth, their engagement with news, and digital citizenship dynamics. One of the core elements of the project is a digital newsroom, a space for meeting and exploring digital citizenship and news, considering the significant disparities that characterise individuals in this group.

To better understand the target groups and to support the decisions regarding the development of the youth‐led digital newsroom, the research team carried out a systematic literature review focused on youth, digital citizenship, diversity, and different methodological approaches.

We explore the outcomes of the systematic literature review, and delve into the data gathered in one of the subclusters (Diversities). Findings underscore the challenges of inclusivity and diversity. There is a need for tailored media and digital literacy interventions that consider cultural differences, socioeconomic factors, and evolving technological landscapes.

There are difficulties, as well as the positive results, in using digital tools and strategies to trigger learning and motivational processes for diverse audiences. Digital tools that rely on media creation, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration can promote the empowerment and inclusion of youth from distinct backgrounds, bridging the gap between their realities and citizenship experiences.

The findings point out that involvement in collaborative, immersive, and participatory processes anchored on sustained literature review processes can encourage distancing preconceptions while bringing them closer to research participants. The article contributes to discussions regarding the potential and the challenges of considering youth’s diverse backgrounds through pillars such as co‐creation or inclusive design. Mitigating youth social and digital exclusion to enhance democratic participation is an urgent matter.