Playbook for universal design

Universal design methods for more inclusive solutions

Bodystorming Add/remove

Purpose:

The purpose of bodystorming is to get a hands-on experience of a situation or a product in order to both create a deeper understanding as well as to build empathy. It is a form of brainstorming with your body by using a combination of simulation and role-play by acting out scenarios or by interacting with an artifact with the goal of generating ideas.

Step by step Facilitating tips Goes well with

Tips to include participants who are not able to:

See

If your participant has visual impairment consider accommodating their needs by designing the method around sounds, spoken words or by objects they can handle

Belong

Be sensitive towards different needs and ensure a safe environment

Focus

Consider segmenting the method by asking one participant to go at a time to keep noise level down and to keep focus

Emote

Be sensitive towards different needs and ensure a safe environment

Hear

If your participant has hearing impairment make sure they can communicate their thoughts either through a sign language interpreter or by asking them to write down their thoughts

Touch

If your participant has lowered motoric abilities in their hands ask them to describe the challenges they experience regarding the input

Hold

If your participant has lowered motoric abilities in their hands ask them to describe the challenges they experience regarding the input

Move

If your participant is unable to stand or use full function of their legs design the activities so they can be performed sitting at a table

Overview

Input

Problem/opportunity or artifact

Output

Ideas, comments

Complexity

Simple-Moderate

Time

10-40 min

Participants

2-6

Activity

Core abilities: Move, touch, hold, communicate

Step by step:

  1. Bodystorming is not a very structured method as it depends on what the input is, i.e. whether it’s a problem statement, opportunity or an artifact that you want to ideate around.

    The most important element to keep in mind is that you need to introduce the method well and ensure that everyone feels like they are in a safe environment and that the method should be conducted with sensitivity.

    Bring the input to the room or table and ask your participants or your team to interact with it. Make sure to document well what you observe as the bodystormers do not write anything down themselves during the exercise.

When doing this method you should consider:

Sensitivity is of high importance when bodystorming, especially if bodystorming about disabilities. The method should not feel silly or disrespectful.

Be mindful that some participants might find bodystorming uncomfortable, so make sure everyone is on board with it and feel that they are in a safe and non-judgemental environment.

Bodystorming can also be used to test a prototype or to communicate a concept.