Application of Design Probes to Promote and Foster Children’s Creative Participation in Disaster Risk Reduction

Mojan Mosavat¹, AmirHosein GhaffarianHoseini¹, Ali GhaffarianHoseini¹, Loic Le De¹

1. Auckland University of Technology

Published in Proceedings of the International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Built Environment (SASBE 2024), edited by Ali GhaffarianHoseini, Amirhosein GhaffarianHoseini, Farzad Rahimian and Mahesh Babu Purushothaman. Springer Nature, Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, volume 591, 2025, pages 279 to 288. DOI 10.1007/978-981-96-4051-5_27.

Abstract

This study explores the innovative application of design probes to engage children in disaster risk reduction (DRR). Originating from participatory and user-centred design frameworks, design probes offer deep, contextual insights into participants’ experiences, needs, and emotions. By employing materials and activities such as diaries, maps, and storyboards, these probes invite unstructured and personal responses, facilitating rich qualitative data collection and fostering creative collaboration between researchers and participants. The research underscores the potential of design probes not just as data collection tools but as platforms for agency and empowerment, enabling children to articulate their perceptions and aspirations regarding disasters. Through an iterative design process involving multiple rounds of prototyping and testing with children aged 8–12, the study developed a set of probes that effectively combine creative, gamified elements with meaningful data collection. The inclusion of a narrative-driven character, ‘Kit’, was particularly effective in maintaining engagement and enhancing participants’ experiences. The findings suggest that design probes, applied in this manner, have the potential to be utilised in various contexts beyond DRR, such as sustainability and climate change education. This approach provides a blueprint for developing more inclusive, adaptable, and effective participatory tools, ensuring they remain responsive to participant feedback and successfully meet their objectives.

Keywords

Session

Presented in Track H, Friday 8 November 2024, 16:30 to 18:30, room WG 1020, Auckland University of Technology. Session chair Dr Dat Doan.

How to Cite

Mosavat, M., GhaffarianHoseini, A., GhaffarianHoseini, A., & Le De, L. (2025). Application of Design Probes to Promote and Foster Children’s Creative Participation in Disaster Risk Reduction. In A. GhaffarianHoseini, A. GhaffarianHoseini, F. Rahimian, & M. B. Purushothaman (Eds.), Proceedings of the International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Built Environment (SASBE 2024) (Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, Vol. 591, pp. 279–288). Springer Nature Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-4051-5_27

About the Conference

Presented at SASBE 2024, the International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, held in Auckland from 7 to 9 November 2024 and chaired by Professors Ali and Amirhosein GhaffarianHoseini, founders of GDI Academy. The version of record is published by Springer Nature; this page is the conference archive record kept by GDI Academy.