Co-creating personal augmented reality accessories to enhance social well-being of urban San youth

Abstract

Namibia praises itself as multi-cultural and united country with a wide variety of ethnicities. Most tribes take pride in their traditions, cultural values and practices. Based on historical legacies, differences amongst tribes can still be observed. While some are well positioned in the socio-political landscape others are marginalized, such as the San communities. Urban San youth caught between tradition and modernity, ethnicity and nationality, rural and urban contexts are touched at many social levels affecting their identity and well-being. In this paper, we present an inclusive innovation design collaboration between urban San youth and academic design researchers. Inspired by the results of self-reflections through collages, mental contrasting and cultural probes, complemented by the exploration of emerging technologies and design we have conceptualized and co-created a unique innovation, namely individual augmented reality accessories to support social well-being. We frame the design for well-being within the Self-Determination Theory, promoting autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Upon our approach to inclusive innovation design we reflect on the mixed team effort, positioning our decisions within contentious discourses and methodological thoughts.