Co-design for technology in paediatric therapy: Developing an augmented reality intervention for children with Developmental Coordination Disorder

Background: Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) have difficulty learning and performing movements, often requiring increased feedback. Technology may be useful for delivering augmented feedback. Co-design methodology for developing therapeutic interventions has become popular in healthcare, including for technology in rehabilitation. However, there are limited guidelines on how to use co-design methodology in healthcare.

Methods: We applied three key principles, 1) Understanding, 2) Exploring, and 3) Materialising, to inform a co-design process. End-user participants included paediatric clinicians, young learners and caregivers, and the research team who shared their expertise and lived experience to inform the creation of a novel system.

Results: A team of key end-users designed and developed a new augmented reality intervention prototype for teaching motor skills aimed at children with DCD using a generative co-design process. From understanding the unmet needs, we explored and then materialised a series of games using bespoke technology solutions.

Conclusion: The use of a co-design process was beneficial in engaging end-users as the experts of their experience in the creation of a novel augmented reality intervention prototype aimed for children with DCD. The co-design process was successful in facilitating a prototype that meets consumer needs, and ensured all end-user voices were heard.