Exploring the empowerment of older adult creative groups using maker technology

Abstract

Human-computer interaction researchers actively engage in technological design to empower older adults to live independent, active lives; however, the number of researchers who allow older adults to participate in the design and development process varies greatly. We leveraged past participatory design techniques with older adults by cooperatively learning their craft and carefully enhancing their crafting practices using small electronics. In doing so, older adults will have an opportunity to enhance their craft artifacts to best fit their health needs. The purpose of this needs assessment, including 8 hours of observation and 2 hours of beta testing, is to understand how older adults might use maker technology in their crafts and hobbies to positively impact their health. By facilitating beta testing and observing local crafting groups of older adults, we identified crafting activities that older adults participate in and learned how to best tailor technology to their crafts.