OpenDesign of Scientific Research in Pandemic Context.

This article focuses on how a research team adapted the design and ideation of socioenactive systems—systems coupling human embodied action with ubiquitous technology—to the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and social isolation. Using the OpenDesign Platform (ODP), an online community-driven design tool based on Socially Aware Design principles, the team conducted a remote, collaborative ideation process to conceive a "Socioenactive Virtuality" (SEV) system that supports meaningful, embodied interaction without physical co-presence. The study details the multi-stage ideation involving stakeholders from museum, hospital, and educational contexts, culminating in the development of the Aquarela Virtual system, which enables children to interact via videoconference using sensor-enhanced toys and virtual storytelling. Lessons learned highlight the complementary use of synchronous videoconferencing and asynchronous platform interaction, the importance of preserving design rationale, and the value of open, participatory design approaches for geographically dispersed research teams facing pandemic-related challenges.