Personal Objects as Design Materials: A Case Study of Co-Designing Safe Spaces With Young Adults

Design materials are often imposed on users in co-design. This can be problematic as the materials may not be relevant or useful to users’ contexts or goals, or, at worst, could lead to alienation and exclusion. We propose an approach that shifts control of design materials to users, supporting them to select and utilize personal objects in the design process. We conducted a case study alongside a STEM education nonprofit based in Chicago to explore how 9 young adults brought in and engaged with personal objects in the co-design of a “Safe Spaces” event for peers. We found that the personal objects helped inform participants’ designs, structure the conversation, and foster inclusion and common ground. We provide suggestions for how to support users bringing in and using personal objects as design materials.