One Size (Doesn't) Fit All: Exploring design considerations for digital body dissatisfaction interventions with underrepresented populations

Pranita Shrestha, Pari Delir Haghighi, Gemma Sharp, Jue Xie, Roisin McNaney

Abstract: Traditionally, body dissatisfaction interventions have been designed with a focus on females from Western cultures. However, with growing research indicating that body dissatisfaction is experienced across society, regardless of gender and cultural background, it is increasingly important that future interventions incorporate a broader range of socio-cultural experiences. We conducted a two-phase co-design study with thirteen participants (seven females, six males), aged 18-24, from diverse cultural backgrounds. Phase 1 aimed to understand the influencing factors that frame the development of body image perceptions. Drawing on insights from Phase 1, Phase 2, then explicitly focused on gathering design insights for digital tools for body dissatisfaction interventions. Four narrative design concepts were used to provoke discussions and ideate around potential digital interventions. Through this paper, we contribute unique insights into the experiences and digital intervention preferences of underrepresented people in body image research and highlight future directions to create more inclusive digital interventions.