This study aimed to assess the user experience (UX) of South African parents of children with disability (CWD) using the parent network (PN) and let's talk parents (LTP) platforms, and to examine associations between demographic factors and UX Honeycomb dimensions. It includes a comparative analysis of demographics in relation to the UX honeycomb subsections.
A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was done. Using total population sampling, 359 participants completed an online survey based on Morville's UX Honeycomb model, integrating validated instruments (MAUX-C and SUPR-Qm). Responses were analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics, including linear regression analyses to examine associations between demographical variables and UX dimensions. The study ensured accessibility with multilingual translation and ethical rigor through voluntary participation, informed consent and anonymised data collection. While reliability testing was not conducted, face and content validity were supported. Findings offer insights into UX dimensions relevant to digital inclusion and participatory engagement in disability-focused networks.
Most participants were mothers aged 31–40, with children predominantly aged 6–10, diagnosed mainly with cerebral palsy or autism. The findings highlight strong user satisfaction, particularly in usefulness, desirability, accessibility and credibility, with value rated highest (90%). However, findability emerged as a challenge, with variability in users' ability to locate specific content. Inferential analysis showed that age was significantly associated with usability, usefulness, and desirability, although effect sizes were small. Male participants reported lower scores for usefulness, accessibility, credibility, and value. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to the small number of male participants. Widowed participants reported lower findability, and participants using private healthcare reported lower accessibility. Overall, demographic variables explained only a small proportion of variation in UX.
The sample was predominantly female and drawn from an existing digital network, which may limit generalisability. However, caregiving responsibilities are predominantly undertaken by women, a pattern that is particularly pronounced in the Global South, including South Africa (Latulippe et al., 2017; Budlender, 2021). The survey incorporated adapted instruments without internal consistency testing, and the cross-sectional design limits insight into long-term engagement and understanding of sustained impacts. The potential for using the collected data in advocacy efforts is also somewhat constrained. It is a limitation of the PN and LTP to have focused heavily on the children and not parents who have disabilities, and as such next iterations of these tools should take that into account. The researcher's dual role as both insider and outsider was acknowledged, but it may still be viewed as a limitation, potentially influencing the study's objectivity and interpretation.
This study highlights the transformative role of UX in disability-focused digital platforms, showing that PN and LTP foster identity affirmation, peer support and civic engagement. While usefulness, desirability and empowerment received strong endorsements, gaps in findability and inclusivity, especially for male and widowed caregivers, suggest the need for targeted design improvements. Findings further indicate that improvements in navigation, accessibility and inclusive design may enhance engagement across diverse user groups. Future iterations should prioritise co-design with underrepresented users, enhanced accessibility, and gender-responsive navigation strategies. By embedding participatory design principles, digital tools can amplify marginalised voices, democratise information access and drive systemic advocacy, particularly in the Global South, where equity-focused UX is key to sustained engagement and impact.
As addressed in findings, methodology and practical implications.
This study underscores the transformative role of UX in disability-focused digital platforms, showing that PN and LTP foster identity affirmation, peer support and civic engagement beyond mere functionality. While usefulness, desirability and empowerment were highly rated, gaps in findability and inclusivity, specially for male and widowed caregivers, highlight areas for targeted design improvements. This study contributes to limited quantitative evidence on UX of disability-focused caregiver platforms in the Global South and demonstrates how UX relates to caregiver participation and voice. By embedding participatory design principles, digital tools can amplify marginalised voices, democratise information access and drive systemic advocacy, particularly in the Global South, where UX must center dignity, engagement and lasting impact.
