This Is Our Space: Considerations For Building Inclusive Digital Environments in Research

Abstract

All too often, the digital spaces used for research are based on ivory-tower assumptions about the target user population, which could lead to poor participant retention, especially among groups that are historically marginalized in research. In our work, we seek to create digital environments which are welcoming to the demographic the research is meant to serve. Through engagement with advisory groups and stakeholders, as well as target user group testing, and incorporating digital best practices, we examine each element of the digital environment to optimize inclusiveness. The work to ensure inclusive digital spaces is never done! Instead, quantitative and qualitative feedback should be gathered for each and every research environment created so that teams can iterate to build the next best inclusive space. We can and should do better. By sharing strategies and best practices with other research groups, we can ensure that marginalized groups feel welcome in research.