Towards a Dignity-Conscious Assistive Technology: Transformation of Shower Chair Design Driven by User Feedback

Han, F (2026) Towards a Dignity-Conscious Assistive Technology: Transformation of Shower Chair Design Driven by User Feedback. Doctoral thesis, Transart Institute for Creative Research.

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Abstract

Background: Dignity is a unique human quality and a critical aspect of elder care, but it is often overlooked in the design of assistive technologies (ATs). This practice-based research investigated the complex relationship among AT, dignity, and caregiving, emphasising shower assistance and the limitations of a function-centred approach. Maintaining dignity in elder care settings, especially when implementing AT, presents a considerable challenge. Existing AT often fails to adequately address the complex interplay between functional requirements and the subjective experiences of both older adults and carers.

Methodology: This research adopted a constructivist epistemology and a participatory design (PD) approach, involving an iterative design process and user testing at two elder care facilities in China. Data were analysed using a thematic synthesis method, which involved line-by-line coding, development of descriptive themes and the interpretation of the data from a theory-informed perspective. The dual dimensions of dignity, the senses framework, and continuity theory were integrated to guide data collection and analysis, which included semi-structured interviews and focus groups.

Key Findings: This research revealed a fundamental tension between carer priorities (efficiency and safety) and older adult values (comfort and autonomy), leading to inherent trade-offs in dignity. Participants’ accounts indicated that design intent for one stakeholder often unintentionally influences the other, highlighting the relational nature of dignity in caregiving. A key contribution of this research was the identification of design principles and strategies that reduce these trade-offs and enhance dignity for both older adults and carers.

Outcomes and Contribution: The research developed a set of dignity-conscious design principles and a shower chair prototype that reflects these principles. It challenges function-centred models through a relational approach to respectful care. The study's contributions include (a) defining dignity-conscious design principles for assistive shower chairs, refined through user evaluation; (b) providing empirical insights into dignity trade-offs within carer–older adult relationships; (c) shifting the design perspective from functional to relational ecosystems; and (d) proposing recommendations that emphasise relationality, customisation and stakeholder empowerment.

Conclusion: By integrating user perspectives and theoretical contributions, this research offers design insights and a practical example showing how ATs can be developed to ensure their functionality while also supporting more dignified and compassionate care interactions for older adults and carers. Future initiatives should incorporate ecosystem-level interventions and relational design strategies to realise technology’s full potential in elder care.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	assistive technologies; caregiving; China; design principles; dignity; elder care; participatory design; shower assistance
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races T Technology > T Technology (General)
Divisions:	Art and Creative Industries
Date of acceptance:	20 July 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	29 July 2026
Date Deposited:	29 Jul 2026 11:32
Last Modified:	29 Jul 2026 11:32
DOI or ID number:	10.24377/LJMU.t.00029034
Supervisors:	Roughley, M and Ekpenyong, M
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/29034

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