City Research Online

Abstract

This paper introduces collaborative visual thinking (CVT) as a qualitative research method designed to engage autistic adults in research about complex and abstract topics. CVT pairs a semi-structured interview with the co-construction of a visual artefact on a collaboration canvas, such as a (digital) whiteboard, based on predefined guiding concepts. The method was developed for a study exploring the personal finance practices of 20 autistic adults. Framework analysis of the transcripts from the research sessions and a feedback survey showed that participants experienced CVT as autism friendly due to the overall process and the visual approach. Challenges revolved around clarity of expectations and sensory demands. CVT offers an adaptable, neurodiversity-affirming approach that invites further experimentation across contexts.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© The Author(s) 2026. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The British Computer Society. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Publisher Keywords:	accessibility design and evaluation methods, visualization application domains, neurodiversity, autism, qualitative research methods
Subjects:	R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry T Technology > T Technology (General)
Departments:	School of Science & Technology School of Science & Technology > Department of Computer Science
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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