Older women in online interaction codesign: an analysis of participation and involvement

Valéria Rosa; Ecivaldo de Souza Matos; Diego Zabot; Juliana Santos

doi:10.5753/jis.2025.4390

Authors

Valéria Rosa State University of Southwestern Bahia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2327-494X
Ecivaldo de Souza Matos University of São Paulo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3294-8950
Diego Zabot Federal University of Bahia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2518-7073
Juliana Santos Federal University of Bahia https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1068-4825

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5753/jis.2025.4390

Keywords:

Online Codesign, Older Adults, Online Participatory Design, Active Participation

Abstract

This article presents a study on the participation and involvement of five Brazilian women, most aged 60 or over, in an online interaction codesign process. To understand women’s participation and involvement during the process, content analysis was carried out, using a specific method to identify emerging patterns and themes. The results revealed the active participation of women, contributing significantly to the design solution. Furthermore, participants’ involvement was expressed through positive feelings such as joy, interest, pride, and satisfaction, demonstrating the positive impact of their participation in the codesign process. However, significant challenges were also identified, such as distractions caused by external noise, family interference, and internet connection problems. Some aspects related to the way people feel and perceive their participation in a design process, as well as the stimuli that encourage them to actively participate, stand out as motivational factors for greater involvement and active participation. They include elements such as recognition and appreciation of their contributions, belonging, interest in the research topic, empowerment, adequate facilitation, flexibility of the research team, development of social skills, and personal experiences. It is hoped that this study will provide valuable guidance for future inclusive design initiatives, with the aim of promoting meaningful and effective participation of older adults in collaborative activities.

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