Enhancing Wellbeing: Empowering Individual and Community Needs for Shared Impact

Christiansen, Line Ulrika (2024) Enhancing Wellbeing: Empowering Individual and Community Needs for Shared Impact. In: P/References of Design. Cumulus conference proceedings series, 1 . Cumulus Association, Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design Budapest, Budapest, pp. 1627-1633. ISBN 978-952-7549-03-5

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Abstract

How can we ensure that individual and community needs are effectively empowered to generate a shared impact on optimizing wellbeing? Today, the health and care sector has technologies and methods at its disposal that could change it for good and improve the quality of life of millions of people with physical and cognitive disabilities, whether temporary or permanent. The integration of new technologies, ranging from digital fabrication to advancements in machine learning and AI, offers unprecedented opportunities to revolutionise how we approach solutions in various domains. Particularly in the realm of affective computing, where machines can interpret and respond to human emotions, the potential for adaptation and personalization is profound. This intersectionality presents a unique avenue for addressing fragility, embracing pedagogy, accommodating disabilities, and fostering collaborative design. By harnessing these technologies, we can create tailored solutions that cater to individual needs and circumstances, thereby mitigating fragility by providing targeted support. Moreover, in the realm of pedagogy, personalized learning experiences can enhance educational outcomes by catering to diverse learning styles and abilities. For individuals with disabilities, technology can serve as a powerful tool for empowerment, enabling greater independence and participation in various aspects of life. Additionally, collaborative design processes enriched by technology facilitate inclusive decision-making, ensuring that diverse perspectives are incorporated from the outset. Thus, by leveraging these technological advancements, we can not only make solutions more efficient but also more inclusive and impactful, addressing the multifaceted challenges of our time. However, by addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by disabilities and other complex issues, it becomes increasingly evident that technology alone cannot provide comprehensive solutions. Instead, the importance of employing a collaborative approach such as co-design emerges as paramount. Co-design stands as a methodology through which customized solutions are crafted and tailored precisely to meet the unique needs of the stakeholders involved. By bringing together a diverse array of participants, including designers, manufacturers, developers, healthcare professionals, and individuals with disabilities alongside their caregivers, co-design ensures a holistic and inclusive process. This collaborative effort fosters innovation, empathy, and a deep understanding of the nuanced requirements, ultimately leading to more effective and impactful solutions. The Glifo project exemplifies the convergence of co-design and technology, showcasing both the collective achievements and the potential for collaborative impact. Created in collaboration with the TOG Foundation, Glifo, in English Glyph, is a customized writing aid that helps children with a complex neurological disorder to write and draw. A purposeful sign, lightweight, adjustable, washable, and, thanks to 3D printing, a customizable writing tool. It was born from the joint planning of makers, designers, therapists, and families of children with disabilities to help children with complex neurological pathologies to write and draw independently. Today, it is available via open-source 3D printing documentation.

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