The methodological mindset - How methods of gerontechnological user involvement foreground ageist images of older persons

Abstract

In this paper, we address the design of Smart Home technologies for older persons. We focus on the work and practices of designers to involve older technology users in innovation, and demonstrate how the existing repertoire of methods favours images of later life strongly associated with frailty and illness. More specifically, we have conducted 30 open interviews with key personnel in 12 design projects. We explored the methods used to involve older technology users, and applied an open coding scheme to understand the imagery of older users that has informed the projects. It was striking that, although most projects started with a broad and pro-active imagery of older persons, such images became gradually replaced by ideas of frail and ill older technology users. This suggests that incorporating an imagery of pro-active older technology users is posed with significant difficulties.