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Co-designing outdoor playspaces with children: A framework for analyzing participant design priorities

Karen E. Joyce & Janet Loebach

Design Studies2026https://doi.org/10.1016/j.destud.2025.101377article
ABDC A
Weight
0.50

Abstract

Design processes increasingly embrace participatory methods, yet systematic frameworks for analyzing diverse co-design outputs remain underdeveloped, especially those from children. This study introduces the Priority Experiences of Participants (PrEP) framework, a five-stage analytical approach for synthesizing multimodal co-design contributions into actionable design guidance. The framework employs the lens of affordances to identify “umbrella experiences,” high-level experiential priorities. Through mixed-methods triangulation, including content analysis, Q-Sort rankings, and qualitative analysis, the framework systematically synthesizes participant contributions into design guidance. The framework is illustrated through a schoolyard co-design case study with 9- to 10-year-olds. The PrEP framework provides a structured approach and accessible tools to support the effective inclusion of children in decision-making and the authentic translation of their priorities into design solutions. • PrEP framework synthesizes diverse outputs from co-design activities with children. • Framework helps identify, document, and honor children's priorities in design. • Umbrella experiences provide a common language between users and designers. • Framework illustrated a diversity of priority play experiences in the case study. • Results illustrated the value and utility of an experience-centered framework.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.destud.2025.101377

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@article{karen2026,
  title        = {{Co-designing outdoor playspaces with children: A framework for analyzing participant design priorities}},
  author       = {Karen E. Joyce & Janet Loebach},
  journal      = {Design Studies},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.destud.2025.101377},
}

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.