My RCUK (EPSRC) Digital Economy-funded PhD (2010-2016) was completed within the Media and Arts Technologies Doctoral Program (MAT) at Queen Mary University of London. The research explored how a participatory approach to research and design can inform the development of creative technologies for children in UK Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools.
Over four years 2010-2014, I embedded myself in a SEN school in Bath as a researcher, teaching assistant, and artist, and collaborated on a joint project with Newcastle University’s Culture Lab SIDE initiative (Social Inclusion through Digital Economies) at a SEN school in Newcastle. This immersive approach enabled me to design and evaluate interactive systems in real classroom contexts using grounded theory, participatory design, and arts-led methods.
The thesis presents four design-led case studies and makes three key contributions:
1. Design guidelines for interaction design in SEN contexts
2. A discussion of the research approach and its evolution
3. Design personas representing teaching staff for future design work
2. A discussion of the research approach and its evolution
3. Design personas representing teaching staff for future design work
Impact
This research laid the foundation for my approach to academic practice. It shaped how I design and deliver teaching, emphasizing inclusive learning environments, participatory methods, and the importance of play in both learning and design. It also strengthened my commitment to creating spaces where diverse learners can thrive.
Publications
Beyond individual responsibility – towards a relational understanding of financial resilience Clark, A. Williams, K. Davies, S. Owen, R. Journal of Social Policy, Jan 2024
Towards A Design For Life: Redesigning For Reminiscence With Looked After Children Gray, S. Williams, K. Cater, K. Watson, D , CHI Conference on Human Factors 2020
Interpersonal expression in the SEN classroom: A Design Experience Case Study, Durrent, A. Williams, K. Hook, J. McNaney, R, Journal of Child–Computer Interaction
Design to support interpersonal communication in the SEN classroom, Durrent, A. Williams, K. Hook, J. McNaney, R , Interaction Design with Children Conference
Embedded Research in the Design of Interactive Technologies for Children with SEN Williams, K. Meckin, D. Stockman, T. , Electronic Workshops in Computing
