Expressions of ownership: motivating users in a co-design process

Abstract

This paper describes how we tried to increase the user's feeling of 'psychological ownership' during the LINKX project. In this participatory design project, a language-learning toy was designed for children with autism. Participating 'users' were three boys with autism, their parents, and care professionals, such as teachers and a speech therapist. The children played with the prototype. Care professionals gave advice, and the parents even took initiative and showed pride. These factors indicate a feeling of ownership of the project. Ownership can serve as motivation for users to be involved in design.

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