Session type:

Discussion

Presented by:

Dr Priscilla Chueng-Nainby

Dr P Research & Innovation ltd. & The University of Edinburgh

Joan Herlinger

Joan Herlinger Design

Bukola Jolugbo

Joshua's Army

Session time:

12 Mar 11:30 13:00

Session duration:

90 minutes

About the session

Join us for an interactive discussion as we explore how to foster empathetic engagement, prioritise user and team well-being, and skillfully navigate the complexities of trauma-informed service design, co-design, diversity, and inclusion in UCD practice.

In today’s complex government service landscapes, empathetic engagement is crucial to designing trauma-informed, inclusive, and co-designed experiences. This interactive discussion explores the way to facilitate trauma-informed service design by prioritising safety, trust, and empowerment while fostering diverse participation. Drawing from insights from real-world projects, we discuss strategies for engaging trauma-affected users and ensuring the emotional well-being of service teams.

Key themes include co-design techniques that build trust with marginalised communities, strategies for creating safe service environments, and frameworks for balancing empathy with practitioner self-care. We will discuss the role of neurodiversity in user-centred design, unpack ethical challenges, and explore how diversity and inclusion drive innovation.

Participants will contribute to the practical insights into implementing trauma-informed, co-designed services, equipping them with tools to navigate emotional labor, sustain engagement, and build a supportive community of practice. Join us in shaping a future where empathy and inclusivity are at the heart of service design.

Introduction: Empathetic Engagement
1. Trauma-informed Service Design 
2. Trauma-aware User Research 
3. Neurodiversity-friendly User Experience Design 
Closing: Towards a community of practice of trauma-informed Service Design

Participant Takeaways:

  • Understanding Trauma-Informed Service Design
  • Co-Design Strategies for Empathetic Engagement
  • Lessons from Real-World Projects
  • Building a Supportive Community of Practice
  • Balancing Empathy and Self-Care

Themes: 

Empathy, Co-design, Diversity, Inclusion, Digital innovation, Community of practice, Service design

This session:

  • Has a session cap of 60 participants

About the speaker(s)