Abstract
Design thinking is a mindset to find a solution for a real need using an iterative method. Its fundamental philosophy is to empathize and reframe a problem so that one can innovate faster using systematic methods. In this study, we illustrate the use of design thinking to enhance the life of older people. A total of forty students from two universities spent 2 days talking and playing with senior citizens to evaluate and understand their daily activities, likes and dislikes. Based on observations, systematic interviews, and storytelling, a series of innovative products were designed. In this manuscript, two of them will be described. The first was an entertainment system called Memo-TV for those with short-term memory loss and the second, Shadow Play, was a means to enhance their upper body strength using an innovative and interactive game.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank all the students and instructors who participated in this course. A special word of thanks to Ms. Karen Kit Sum Chow for arranging the numerous visits to the Sun Chui Lutheran Centre for the elderly, Ms. Diana Chan and Edwin W. K. Leung of the HKUST library for all exhibition arrangements. The memo-TV was designed and developed by Urvil Rakesh Sheth, Naveen Pitipornvivat, Lin Yan Zhao and Zhou Lin Wei. Shadow play was the work of Kwok Hin Kwan, Chau Man Chun, Wang Zi Lin, and Li Jie Ying.
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Goonetilleke, R.S., Au, E.Y.L. (2020). Enhancing the Life of the Elderly - An Application of Design Thinking. In: Goonetilleke, R., Karwowski, W. (eds) Advances in Physical Ergonomics and Human Factors. AHFE 2019. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 967. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-20142-5_39
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