Shared usability a support mechanism to product and service system design for older adults.

Abstract

Globally the Older Adult population is increasing; people are living longer, often with physical or functional limitations whilst remaining in their own home. This indicates a requirement of responsibility by Associated Stakeholders to support ageing in place. The concept of shared usability proposes that Older Adults can maintain independence, choice and empowerment, with mutual agreed levels of support from Associated Stakeholders when using products or services. Research was conducted as a means to identify and explore shared usability in the context of a user centred design process. Qualitative research methods with an ethnographic approach were conducted over a nine-month period. The fieldwork involved observing and understanding everyday life for the Older Adult in their own home, with specific enquiry and task observation of eight areas. Design methodologies of ideation, sketching and iterative sketch models were applied in order to select one specific area for design conceptualisation. Further to this, brainstorming sessions involving participants using storyboard and feedback were used to evaluate proposed concepts. The product concept outcome highlights how product and service systems can be developed with inclusion of shared usability. The fieldwork offers recorded and detailed enquiry of the experience of ageing. Finally, a definition of shared usability is proposed as a tangible consideration during the process of design that facilitates the user being supported by a network of Associated Stakeholders.