2 research outputs found
Older People and Digital Technology From digital learners to digital leaders through participatory design with community-based organisations
PhDIt is predicted that there will be more people over the age of 65 than under 5 by
2050 in developed countries. In recognition of the needs of an ageing population,
there is a growing field of research in HCI focused on engaging older people with
digital technologies.
This thesis contributes to the field of ageing in HCI through a community-based
participatory design investigation into the challenges and opportunities for older
people to engage with digital tools in their everyday lives. We demonstrate how
the commitments, practices and values of participatory design can be used to better
understand and foster engagement between digital tools and older people through
the support of community-based organisations.
This is achieved through two case studies. The rst study with a traditional computer
class at a local day centre. The second with a London-based intergenerational
running club. The research reflects on and examines the details and decisions of the
learning and adoption process across these two studies. We expand our view beyond
the digital tools to the influences and situations that contribute to older people's
attitudes and usage. Through the lens of participatory design and communities of
practice we discuss the considerations of values, problem-solving, and identity that
can potentially be transferred to other non-traditional digital learning environments
for older people. We provide recommendations and reflect on our challenges to serve
as guidance for other researchers engaging in similar participatory work `in-the-wild'
Vulnerability: Participatory Design, Older People and Researchers
Abstract Participatory design research is often used in work involving older people who are using digital technology. This type of research typically opens up both the researcher and the participant to vulnerabilities in the process. We discuss these issues of vulnerability as it relates to our current study using a local running group as platform for supporting older people in gaining confidence in integrating digital technologies in their everyday life. We discuss the over arching issue of older people, digital technology usage and participatory design. This provides the background for addressing points of awareness regarding empowerment, expectations, boundaries and loss for both the participants and the researcher