Contextual Design of Intergenerational Innovative Service for Aging in Place

Abstract

Traditionally, government agencies tend to deploy many resources on aging people with incapacitation or dementia. However, the promotion of the idea of “aging in place” is more and more popular and doable that it has been. Aging in place becomes a big challenge in the coming century. Smart home devices could facilitate senior citizens to stay safer and healthier in their houses. A service-oriented business such as co-living service, focusing on building socialization and maintaining privacy, could also drive a housing market and develop more sharing economy platforms. The objective of this service design project is to create a symbiotic relationship between two different generations to exchange knowledge and skills, and also live with and learn from each other. Various design thinking tools were applied, including Personas, User Journey Map, PEST Analysis, Business Model Canvas, etc. A new service system diagram has been proposed. The application of merging smart home devices, such as Chatbot into seniors’ houses and an intercultural co-living environment could benefit three aspects, including supporting age-in-place, mastering new skills, and driving economic growth.