Table 4.

Themes and subthemes of participant experience.

Theme	Definition	Subthemes
Perception of extrinsic constraints and effects of the situation	On the basis of the extrinsic constraints related to the situation [22]. Perceptions related to effects of the prescribed tasks (or lack thereof) modulating the course of action of the actor. Can apply to either task during sessions or the organization of sessions.	Impression of a lack of guidance or structure from the moderator Satisfied with useful inputs from the moderator helping them understand Impression of wasting time on circular discussions Expecting to work on a more advanced prototype Perception of insufficient time allowed to reach the objectives Satisfied with the convenience of small groups Wishing they had been able to prepare in advance Satisfied with balanced representation of participant categories (or the opposite) Feeling they are not really participating or not enough Wishing for more facilitation from the moderator to provide a democratic space
Learning together	Inspired by level 3 of the typology of relationships of participation (learning together) by Harder et al [37]. Represents a form of interaction with others where the focus is learning from others’ opinions.	Wanting to help caregivers Wanting to obtain caregivers’ opinion Being able to have access to a diversity of opinions
Frustrating interaction with others	Feelings related to interactions with other participants. Something that a participant (or more) is doing or saying that is annoying to the person. An irritating experience leading to frustration.	Having strong emotions hearing about a caregiver’s situation Annoyed by the confrontation of perspective
Destabilization	Uncomfortable, unbalanced, or disruptive feeling not caused by an interaction with other participants.	Disappointment at the lack of joint efforts on the project Feeling lost, not understanding, or having a lack of knowledge Unsure about which perspective to adopt Perceived incapacity to reach the objective of the task Having trouble with the abstract nature of the task
Getting personal benefits	Positive contribution to personal interests.	Learning about resources Feeling valued by their contribution (caregivers)