Towards community-based co-creation

Abstract

Current AAL solutions are often rejected by senior end-users, who do not perceive their benefits or themselves as the target group. This is due to the prevailing technology-driven design process that does not account for human needs. To shift the focus from the technology to the human, involvement of stakeholders in the design process is crucial. In this paper we outline some issues with involvement and continuous engagement of seniors and propose the concept of community-based co-creation as a way forward. Key is the facilitation of long-term collaboration of a community comprised of stakeholders including among others seniors, caregivers and researchers. Their neighborhoods serve as a natural context for designing and implementing their own solutions. We raise several points for consideration and first steps to be discussed. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.