MIT student Ila Kumar empowers young people to shape digital technologies

Summary

Profile of Ila Kumar, a PhD student at MIT. Kumar co-designs digital tools with youth in the child welfare system. He argues that community-based participation is the only path to sustainable and effective technology.

Why it matters

Artificial intelligence and digital platforms are increasingly shaping the lives of vulnerable youth. Kumar's work challenges the top-down 'tech for good' model by directly involving end-users and caregivers in the design process. His research also highlights an urgent gap: youth are already turning to AI for critical decisions without adult awareness. This makes participatory design not just an ideal, but an urgent necessity.

Highlights

• A visual collage app developed with Stepping Forward LA replaces text-heavy communication, helping trauma-affected youth express emotions and build connections.
• A 10-month leadership circle run with Foster America matched individuals with foster care experience to technology experts, aiming to redesign gaps in care processes.
• Kumar is currently training caregivers to facilitate structured AI conversations with youth who are already using AI for critical decisions.

Critical take

The text reads more like a promotional profile than an evidence-based review. It lacks outcome data, user metrics, or examples of failure. The 'community-based design' framework risks romanticizing participation without addressing the inevitable power imbalances, scalability limits, and ethical tensions inherent in co-designing with small, vulnerable groups.