Towards doll based design: framework, guidelines and research potentials

Abstract

Users are represented for many purposes and take many forms in design. This paper is concerned with potentials of representing users and use via dolls and doll play. The contribution of the paper serves as steppingstone for further investigations of Doll based design. The paper introduces a conceptual framework which offers design research a vocabulary for understanding and articulating two central aspects of Doll based design: perspective taking and role taking. The framework is developed through a case study and theoretical investigation in the fields of Psychology and Play theory. Based on the framework and case study, practitioners are offered two basic guidelines which support the initiation and continuing progress of Doll based design: endow the doll with a motive and be an empathetic facilitator. Moreover research potentials, based on the case and framework, highlight interesting future work.