Advancing Inclusive Design Practice for Queer Youth Using Digital Technologies for Mental Health.

Abstract

Youth mental ill health has increased worldwide, and non-inclusive technology design practice risks overlooking queer youth. This article calls for greater inclusivity and equity in the design of digital technologies used by queer youth to access mental health resources, support and service pathways across diverse global contexts, including internet-based tools, digital platforms and digitally enabled therapeutic interventions, such as mobile applications (apps), online services, chatbots and social media. It warns of threats such as persistent invisibility and prejudiced technology design practice markedly affecting mental health equity and access for queer youth. It proposes three key principles to guide practitioners and researchers in designing digital technologies used by queer youth for mental health: (i) partner and design with queer young people; (ii) embed queer theory into research and design; and (iii) design for sustainability. The principles and recommendations presented here are also relevant to other digital health fields and practitioners should consider applying them in their own practice, where appropriate, to advance inclusivity and equity in technology design.