In this section
@article{Sebastian:2026:10.1080/15710882.2026.2648673,
author = {Sebastian, S and Canghizer, D and Forward, M and Mougenot, C},
doi = {10.1080/15710882.2026.2648673},
journal = {CoDesign},
title = {Creative sensitisation as epistemic intervention: reducing social desirability bias in co-design through “self-audience framing”},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15710882.2026.2648673},
year = {2026}
}
TY - JOUR
AB - Social desirability bias (SDB) can shape how participants narrate sensitive experiences in participatory research and co-design, limiting the authenticity of data generated. This study examines how creative, arts-based sensitisation can mitigate SDB and support more genuine storytelling in health-related co-design. Adopting a design research approach, we developed a comic-making sensitisation intervention grounded in literature on reflective storytelling, safe expression, and participatory preparedness. The intervention was deployed in ‘Designing for Women’s Health’ workshops with 10 women (aged 18–24) with lived experiences of gynaecological and other health conditions. Generative and evaluative follow-up interviews were analysed thematically, drawing on established SDB frameworks. Findings show that the intervention supported memory resurfacing, emotional processing, and self-reflection, enabling participants to construct narratives oriented towards themselves rather than an external audience. We identify self-audience framing as a key mechanism through which creative sensitisation enhances storytelling authenticity in sensitive participatory contexts. The study contributes to co-design by theorising sensitisation as an epistemic intervention that shapes the social conditions of knowledge production and informs inclusive participatory design.
AU - Sebastian,S
AU - Canghizer,D
AU - Forward,M
AU - Mougenot,C
DO - 10.1080/15710882.2026.2648673
PY - 2026///
SN - 1571-0882
TI - Creative sensitisation as epistemic intervention: reducing social desirability bias in co-design through “self-audience framing”
T2 - CoDesign
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15710882.2026.2648673
UR - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15710882.2026.2648673
ER -