PhD Thesis by Marie Glasemann: Designing Mobile Learning for Children and Teenagers Living with Diabetes - a Conceptualisation Through Design Participation
In this dissertation, Marie Glasemann conceptualises the design of mobile learning for children and teenagers living with type-1 diabetes. The investigation was conducted as an iterative and participatory design-based process founded on the assumption that insights and implications for design and contextual understanding arise through reflective design and by involving the target group. The research examined design participation with a focus on the involvement of youths and an understanding of the youths’ perceptions on using mobile technology for learning about diabetes.
Central to the research was a concrete design case divided into four studies, where a summer camp for youths with diabetes functioned as site for creating a hybrid “third space” for investigating and facilitating design participation. The particularities of designing with and for young people living with diabetes were identified, and design insights unfolded through the design trajectory. Based on the empirical research, which focused specifically on the design of mobile games for youths aged 10 to 16 years addressing the carbohydrate counting problem, three central themes emerged: emotion, ecology, and evolution.
The research and findings presented contribute to design methodology and design practices within the fields of Participatory Design and Health Information Technology research. In particular, the design trajectory and the MYLD framework are interdisciplinary research contributions that emphasise the need for a holistic perspective when designing at the intersection of mobile technology, youth, learning, and diabetes; considering the themes of emotions, evolution, and ecology; with a focus on learning about diabetes.
