Healthcloud - Participatory design of user interfaces for senior people’s active aging
DS 91: Proceedings of NordDesign 2018, Linköping, Sweden, 14th - 17th August 2018
Year: 2018
Editor: Ekströmer, Philip; Schütte, Simon and Ölvander, Johan
Author: Normark, Jörgen; Wikberg-Nilsson, Åsa; Björklund, Cecilia; Wiklund-Axelsson, Sari-Anne
Series: NordDESIGN
Institution: Luleå University of Technology
ISBN: 978-91-7685-185-2
Abstract
The aim of the interdisciplinary HealthCloud pre-study project was twofold: to further knowledge of user experiences of inclusive interface design specifically for an ageing population, and to develop a digital service for senior persons with sensory decline to promote healthy living and active ageing. A co-design approach was chosen to investigate the project aim and knowledge and user experiences was jointly developed and evaluated in three sequential steps in a participant-group of senior persons. In the design of the conceptual user interface, the identified core aspect involved a strive for utility: quality of appropriateness in use, and significance: how designs assume meaning in the ways they are used, as well as simplicity: to reduce, organize, and making it enjoyable to use. The digital service outcome consists of validation of previous research themes: keeping the family together; enjoying life at home; being close to nature; self-development; and promoting conditions for healthy ageing. The pre-study project outcomes are prototypes of digital health service content and interfaces, aimed for a future digital HealthCloud service. Participants in the reference-group found the developed interface easy to use regardless of previous computer skills and they were also motivated and stimulated by the developed prototypes for promoting active ageing on a daily basis. Participants also expressed a desire to display and recommend such digital services to others, which indicates a positive user experience of co-designing digital services.
Keywords: User experience design, Inclusive design, Co-design, Active ageing