CSIRO and University of Queensland captures First Nations children’s views

A collaboration between the University of Queensland and the CSIRO has captured First Nations children’s views about their wellbeing by combining art and technology into a new app.

The What Matters 2 Kids (WM2K) project aims to develop a nationally relevant, strengths-based wellbeing measure for First Nations Australian children aged 5-11 years to inform clinical and policy decision-making. 

 

WM2K integrates culture, innovation, and technology, which was key in designing measures with community, lead investigator Dr Kate Anderson explained.

 

The project commenced in January 2023 and is a 5-year project fully-funded by an NHMRC Ideas Grant. The WM2K app is now being used by facilitators to collect data on site visits.

 

Culturally appropriate icons in the app were designed by Craig Carson to help form a connection with First Nations children as they navigate the WM2K app.Mr Carson is a proud Wakka Wakka man working as Senior Community Engagement Officer and resident artist at the First Nations Cancer & Wellbeing Research program (FNCWR).

 

Using culturally grounded methods, WM2K is hosting art and Yarning sessions with First Nations children across Australia to identify what supports children’s wellbeing.

 

The WM2K app mimics these art and Yarning sessions by inviting the child to draw on a tablet and then asking them to describe their art and its importance to them.

 

The results from the WM2K project will guide the development of a nationally relevant wellbeing measure for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged between 5 and 11 years.

 

“Many children feel comfortable engaging with the project’s First Nations facilitators, however we wanted to offer an alternative way to participate in the study for children who feel shy engaging with strangers,"  Dr Anderson said.

 

“These children are more likely to enjoy self-navigating the art and storytelling using an app at their own pace, with support on hand if needed.”

 

Rather than settling for an AI generated voice, Dr Anderson’s research team recorded the spirited young voice of First Nations child, Stevie Fagan, to engage with users as the app captured their data.

 

“Stevie’s voice has made all the difference,” Dr Anderson said.

 

“This app will allow First Nations children to participate in research about their own health and wellbeing in a fun and familiar way, and the rich data we are able to collect will enhance the research project.”

 

Prior to the project Stevie hadn’t put her voice to anything, but she has now ‘caught the bug’ for voice acting, and has ambitions to become famous. 

 

“I would like to do a voice-over again because I want to be famous,” she said.“I want to be on Bluey. Maybe I’d be a Koala.”

 

Senior Research Scientist Dr David Ireland from the CSIRO first developed the technology to help children with chronic pain and is excited to see the same technology in a new application to measure the wellbeing of First Nations children.

 

"This project is a great example of how through collaboration we can develop novel applications for our digital technology that has potential to make a really positive change in the lives of Australians,” he said.“While we have plans for improving the app with AI, what actually brings it to life is the wonderful icons by artist Craig Carson and voice artist Stevie."

 

L-R: Professor Gail Garvey, Neelam Malik, Dr David Ireland, Stevie Fagan, Kristen Fagan, and Craig Carson ©  University of Queensland