SeniorDT: A Design Thinking-Based Approach to Requirements Engineering Involving Elderly Users

Abstract

Organizations are challenged to design solutions that increase the quality of life and well-being of elderly people because they inadequately understand the needs of this specific target group. Design thinking (DT) is a promising methodological framework for understanding the wants and needs of users. However, DT’s fast and highly interactive style is not fully inclusive, making it ill-suited for elderly participants. This research presents the SeniorDT framework, which affords opportunities for including elderly participants in a multi-stakeholder setting. Our framework is developed using the action design research methodology, which builds on field data gathered during a long-term DT project. On this basis, we derive theoretical and practical implications for conducting DT with older participants.