Beyond ageing stereotypes: Imagery & iconography

Ageism is a relatively modern construct arising from significant increases in life expectancy. For example, Stone Age representations of older people simply noted differences in hair colour. Frailty stereotypes are unrepresentative, because the majority of older people have diverse functional capacity. Nonetheless, ageism within the media is widespread, with older people, even in contemporary dramas, often limited to stereotypes of snowy-haired invisible grandparents or homeless people. Similarly, prevalent icons of older people often utilise stereotypes of physical frailty. A notable example is the 1981 United Kingdom road sign for slower, frail people crossing the road, which is designed to notify drivers to reduce vehicle speed. It depicts a frailty narrative that has become the archetype for iconography of older people. Such stereotypes lead to the design of digital technologies focusing on healthcare, rather than desires and aspirations. So, we suggest an alternative iconography for older people, moving beyond stereotypical physical frailty, and approaches to addressing ageism stereotypes in wider society through popular media. We conclude by moving beyond ageing stereotypes, counterbalancing the mostly negative ones to affect changes in perceptions of popular culture, which is critical not only for the older people of today, but also our future selves

Towards a Gold Standard Operations Control Centre (OCC): Applying Creative Leadership principles in the re-design of an OCC at a leading international airline

Creative Leadership (CL) is a leadership model comprising the three values of Empathy, Clarity and Creativity, which are considered baseline operational and leadership attributes in a Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) world. This paper presents a case study charting the application of CL principles within delivery of a complex research project involving international collaboration between The Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design (HHCD) at London’s Royal College of Art (RCA), a strategic partner – TATA Consultancy Services (TCS), and an airline client [the Airline]. The purpose of the design research was to improve the operational efficiency of the Airline, whilst improving staff and customer experience. This addressed three discrete, yet interlinked areas of delivery within the Airline Operations Control Centre (OCC), namely Technology, Environment and People. The three values of CL – Empathy, Clarity and Creativity – were exercised to align physical, technological and psychological factors. These were implemented in the design of a UX technology that made complex information accessible at a glance, and the re-design of the OCC office environment to enable better communication and personal wellbeing. This paper captures the process and outcomes, whilst reflecting on the efficacy of the CL model as a progressive framework for innovation, growth and development

Keep in touch with a mobile phone : Technology for seniors

This project follows a design process of finding a haptic solution of how elderly users (65+ with age-ralated declines) can deal in a smooth way with touchscreen mobile phones. Users behaviour is observed and analysed. It is investigated how vibrations can help and improve the interaction and connection between the technology and user. Problematic areas are selected and examined. Possible solutions are discussed and tested with persons. Final solutions supplying easier navigation and understanding on a touchscreen mobiles for seniors. Haptic transmitter to support the link between phone and living is presented as well