Design from Recycling

B

GRAND.C, beyond the temporality of nodes. Digitally and physically connecting generations through product service system design, a case study

This paper describes a case study of an early stage product service system (PSS) design. By means of a specific PSS design methodology, we were able to include insights from various domains and their underlying processes, in order to enhance value creation (beyond the product). The context of this case study was to preserve and enrich the connection between grandchildren and grandparents. Throughout the entire process, PSS design tools enable an iterative way of involving different stakeholders that broaden the exploration of recognisable emotions during a person’s life and more specifically with regard to the above-mentioned node ‘becoming a grandparent’. The result, GRAND.C, is an enrichment service that allows grandchildren to snoop in the past of their grandparents and is based on an authentic user experience, free play and verbal tradition. This is presented through a detailed system map and simplified customer journey, as well as a visual prototype and photo novel. It is confirmed that the prototype in particular is a very meaningful means to reinforce the design brief and to communicate the concept to the end user