Developing a 2030 Quality of Life Technology(QoLT) Product and Service Design Strategy with Future Vision Scenario for the Disabled and the Elderly

Abstract

Background With the technological advances of the 4th Industrial Revolution and changes in the value of the disabled and the elderly, the need for user-centered research to meet their needs in the future has increased. Therefore, this study intends to propose the 2030 quality of life technology(QoLT) product and service design strategy for the disabled and the elderly and the idea map and future vision scenarios to implement the strategy by using the service design methodology. Methods This study was conducted by applying the double diamond process suitable for service design research. In the discover stage, QoLT and user-related literature research were conducted. In the define stage, the user-centered QoLT areas were derived based on the literatures research. In the develop stage, the user interface of QoLT cases by areas was analyzed, and design ideas were developed through a co-creation workshop with experts related to the disabled and the elderly. In the deliver stage, priorities were selected in consideration of the degree of user’s importance and technological innovation through in-depth interviews. In addition, the insights from the user’s perspective were derived for practical implementation of the ideas through second in-depth interviews. Results QoLT product and service design strategies for the disabled and the elderly, derived three concepts: device-user interaction, user-centered design, and service systematization and expansion. In addition, Strategies for each type of user were subdivided and applied to develop an idea map for each major QoLT area that can be used for actual product and service development. Based on this, a future vision scenarios for the disabled and the elderly were visually proposed. Conclusions The study is meaningful in that it establishes the QoLT area based on life and needs of user and develops QoLT design ideas. In addition, various insights of users and experts in the field of QoLT are analyzed to present design strategies. The results of this study: QoLT design strategy, idea map, and future vision scenarios, are expected to suggest ideas and directions for QoLT research and utilization to developers or researchers of assistive devices, while providing policymakers with the basis for prospects and user-centered policy establishment.