Cocreating and Evaluating a Digital Inclusion Intervention for Parents in Poverty: Results from Qualitative Research

As digital inclusion support is not one-size-fits-all, one should consider the implementation context and include stakeholder perspectives. Using cocreation, a digital inclusion intervention is designed for Dutch parents in poverty. An integral intervention approach is taken, considering barriers in all internet appropriation phases (attitude & motivation, material access, skills, and usage). A cocreation workshop and a focus group were conducted to design the intervention. The cocreation workshop resulted in prerequisites for a digital inclusion intervention, such as being able to ask for help easily, receiving a laptop, and promoting existing support initiatives. The focus group provided more specific feedback, such as reflections on the learning contents and the desired moments for scheduling classes. The combined insights resulted in the internet support program ‘Samen wegwijs op het internet’ (SWOI). As part of the research project, the SWOI intervention is also implemented and evaluated. SWOI took place from November 6, 2024 to January 29, 2025, in the southern region of Enschede, the Netherlands. During the program, 14 parents received a laptop, weekly training courses, and free and accessible support in internet and computer use. A qualitative approach is used to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the program. Lessons were learned from observations, in-between feedback moments, and short interviews. Results highlight increased self-confidence in using the internet, greater independence, pride in one’s learnings, and enhanced social contacts. Lessons learned for future digital inclusion interventions are shared, including a call for group learning and for appointing an intervention coordinator. This research informs the design of effective digital inclusion interventions using cocreation and may assist social workers, policymakers, and other professionals occupied with poverty relief, digital inclusion, or intervention design.