Elder Care
Between 2012 and 2050, the United States will experience considerable growth in its older population. Over 90% of elders prefer aging in place which means Most people love to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, even when they get old. In this project, I used system design research methodology to investigate what getting old means to elders to learn from their fears and memories to find out their attitudes, values and beliefs. This research concluded with the choice of eight insight> opportunity pairs, 80 ideas and 5 concepts.
Research Objective
What does getting old mean to elders?
BREAKDOWN INTO 3 KNOWLEDGE GOALS
1. Understanding the needs of seniors for elder care
2. understanding what elder care means to seniors
3. understanding how current elder care system support the elderly
Interview method
I interviewed 4 users and 1 expert in elder care area. I used generative tools below to get
what they do, what they feel and who they are.
Timeline-River Map
In order to achieve the first knowledge goal, to understand the needs of seniors for elder care, I used Timeline tool. That's a method to understand the process. And from what they draw we can laddering to learn also their attitudes, fears and dreams.
Dixit Card
Dixit Card is a good way to understand how they see themselves, how they think the world sees them and how they see the world. So I used that to get what elder care means to the elderly. I asked the interviewees pick two cards that represent what an elder care center is to them from a deck of dixit card.
Mapping
Mapping is a tool to understand elders' relationship to elder care experience. I used it to achieve my third knowledge goal to understand how current elder care system support elders. A diagram along with markers and stickers is provided to the interviewee to put them in a meaningful order to them.
Analysis
I employed several analysis tools to find meaningful insights and opportunities. Including:
KJ method
POEMS + A&I framework
User Experience framework
Ethnographer's questions
P.N.S.T.I.O.
(Problem, need, system challenges, themes, insight and opportunities)
Concept 1: EldersLikeMe
The situation changed, empathizing and understanding is important.
We provide a platform to connect people who understand you, have fun with you. It’s a closer online community you can easily get involved.
Concept 2: Reminiscence
Whatever they did,
whoever they were should continue.
We provide VR content keep your precious memory, continue the role you played when you before and give you the sense of “in control” again
Concept 3: Family Album
It’s hard for them to get in touch with
their family member when they are living far away.
It’s a digital family album where every member can share photos, encouraging communication between family members with elder and build the family bond which is important to elders.
