Creation Process for a Technology Design Model Promoting Active Participation of End Users with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Achievements and Pitfalls

Abstract

The promotion of social inclusion of people with neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., intellectual disability [ID] and autism spectrum disorder [ASD]) is currently a social concern. Recent studies suggest that technologies may be beneficial when they are used by people with ID or ASD. However, for these users, digital tools often require the development of new knowledge and competencies. In addition, technologies are most of the time created and designed for mainstream users and hardly ever encompass the specific needs of people with neurodevelopmental disorders. According to some authors, participation to the designing process may promote digital inclusion. While this proposal seems common sense, no models or recommendations are currently available to guide the conduct of such collaborative work. The purpose of this research is to create a participatory conception model guiding the development of technologies intended for people with ID or ASD. This conception model involves users with ID or ASD in all the phases of technology development. To date, no such model has been proposed. This study uses a developmental research design. This method seemed the most appropriate to meet the research’s goal. The Bergeron’s 4-steps developmental research model (precision phase, model conceptualization, improvement of the prototype and dissemination) serves as a framework for the entire development process and highlight a series of issues (e.g., communication, work coordination, ethical issues). It is hoped that the model will support other teams in the development of future technologies.