"It starts with a conversation" : an exploration of creative, collaborative and participatory design approaches, in the context of disability, kāinga (housing and home) and policy : an exegesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Design, Massey University

Abstract

The wider problem this work responds to: Disabled people are not meaningfully included in health policy development in Aotearoa New Zealand, due to various factors. This lack of inclusion results in poor policy outcomes for those it seeks to serve.

How does this Design work contribute? This project explores the design of an equitable, participatory and collaborative process, championing the voice of lived experience as a valuable source of expertise and knowledge for policy practitioners.

Who is this work for? This is for anyone* seeking to undertake collaborative approaches within the disability-policy space (and beyond). *Those most interested might include Disability advocacy groups, or Design and Policy Practitioners.

Methods used: Collaborative Design methods and frameworks such as co-design, co-production, participatory design.

What did we learn? 'Inclusion' begins with the smallest step. Much of the literature surrounding collaborative design speaks to 'mindsets' and 'principles'. This work argues that small actions are a pathway to inclusion and the growth of such mindsets.