Towards a Secured and Safe Online Social Media Design Framework for People with Intellectual Disability

Abstract

This paper aims to create a tangible design framework for practitioners to follow when designing an online social media platform for individuals with intellectual disability. Currently, legislation and best practice consider cyber security and safety for the general public, giving particular attention to the protection of children. However, despite the support in health care, financial assistance, and education, individuals with intellectual disability are rarely considered when it comes to cybersafety. To achieve inclusivity, an integrative review was conducted to make connections between disciplines of education and information technology and law. The process was split into three phases: (i) understanding the challenges those with intellectual disability face, both when using a social media interface and when evaluating safety risks; (ii) identifying gaps and understanding the implications for persons with intellectual disability from legislative and design and design principles; and (iii) visualisation of data flow to model interactions. In conclusion, an inclusive framework is proposed for practitioners when designing online social media platforms for people with intellectual disability.