Designing for responsible practice in introspective design studies

Master thesis (2023)

Authors

K.A. van Kooten Industrial Design Engineering

Contributors

P.M.A. Desmet Human-Centered Design (supervisor 1)
H. Xue Design Aesthetics - IDE (supervisor 1)
Faculty
Industrial Design Engineering
Copyright: © 2023 Katelijn van Kooten
Ethics Introspection Experience design research First-person methods Responsible Research
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Published Date

13-10-2023

Language

English

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Faculty

Industrial Design Engineering

Abstract

Introspective methods are gaining momentum within the design
field. They add a subjective dimension to the existing body of research,
enriching our understanding of complex phenomena, human experiences, and
psychological processes. The personal, revealing nature of introspection is
what gives this method its unique opportunities, however, its risks too.
Introspection can pose a variety of risks to the researcher themselves, as well
as to those they refer to in their research. The rise of introspection in
design must be met with a corresponding commitment to ethical responsibility.
To get there, the gap must be addressed between existing procedural ethics and
the realities of introspective practice.

This Master
thesis researches how we can design to support researchers who use
introspection as a method to assess the ethical risks and opportunities of
their introspective research and manage these throughout their study. Through
literature and empirical research, five risk dimensions and six opportunity
categories were identified, providing guiding
lenses through which researchers can assess and navigate risks and
opportunities (R&O). Through a focus group, interviews, and an
introspective self study, three key problems emerged: 1) researchers
have little awareness and understanding of potential R&O, 2) it is difficult to look ahead and
identify R&O in their own study, and 3) they have little know-how on how to deal with risks (and opportunities).
This especially goes for researchers who are new to using introspection as a
method.

A toolkit prototype was developed and evaluated with end-users. Evaluation showed that
the toolkit provides valuable guidance for researcher practitioners to minimize
the risks of their study, while maximizing the opportunities. Based on the evaluation feedback, a
final design update was done,
resulting in the final design: The Introspector’s Toolkit for Responsible
Practice. This toolkit aims to help researchers understand, identify and manage
the risks and opportunities of their introspective research. For further development of the toolkit, ten recommendations are proposed,
including improving its collaborative use, expanding the content, improving
form and interaction, and more elaborate testing.