Facilitating co-design among older adults in a digital setting: methodological challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Healthy ageing is a global priority due to a growing older population, which increases the need for preventive measures and tailored technology. In health technology development, co-design is emphasised as a valuable strategy to support a person-centred approach. Co-design, a value-driven and collaborative approach, involves end users in development processes to overcome barriers connected to capability, opportunity, and motivation. While a growing number of older adults are involved in design processes, there is a deficit of suitable methodologies for achieving active involvement. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to developing methodological skills and tools to facilitate co-design remotely in a digital setting. Here, we draw on experiences of conducting iterative co-design workshops with a Canadian and a Swedish cohort of older adults about technology development to support mobility, balance, and confidence in daily movement. We describe and discuss methodological and ethical challenges and opportunities to provide recommendations for conducting co-design research in a digital setting with older adults (+65 years). Our recommendations include the use of live mind mapping to facilitate participation involvement, and we address the issue of ‘homework’ in co-design and the importance of setting expectations.