The purpose of today's meeting was to reflect upon the issues and attributes identified in our last meeting and to use these as a basis for generating products ideas specific to each age group. Each member of the group brought several ideas to the meeting and these were discussed at length to highlight the potential benefits and drawbacks of each. The most popular ideas are presented below.
Over 60s
Several product ideas were discussed for the over 60s age group, most notably:
Dream Machine
Unfortunately, as time passes memories can fade and it was with this notion that the idea of a "Dream Machine" was conceived. Rather than actually recording the dreams of an individual while asleep, the Dream Machine would record a user's memory and experiences in full moving colour for their own enjoyment and reflection as well as for posterity for future generations, much like camcorders and digital video cameras are allowing us today. Although we were very fond of the 'Dream Machine' idea it was deemed too fantastical given its departure from current technology and so we decided not to explore this idea further.
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
A PDA that acts as a personal assistant, serving to remind an individual of appointments made, groceries to buy, birthdays, etc. This would allow those senior members of society, who may have problems remembering recent events, to record ideas, reminders, calendar events and to-do lists in a single, portable and accessible device.
The PDA idea was popular, with the notion that existing PDAs could be simplified by removing complex or redundant functions, such as pocket word processing and spreadsheet software, which are unlikely to be used by the target age group. Instead, the PDA would focus on providing a direct and user friendly means of managing and editing a variety of useful data.
This idea was a strong contender for our final product for this age group, although it was acknowledged that the small screen and input stylus may prove too problematic for those with a visual impairment or limited dexterity. Of course, were this product to be developed further during our project, these issues would be addressed.
Online Social Network
An online social network, similar to MySpace, aimed solely at the older generation. Although Friends Reunited offers the ability to search for old friends, to find out what they've been up to, and the possibility to be reacquainted, we liked the idea of providing a community environment in which the older members of society could make new friends and discuss life experiences with like-minded people.
We considered the fact that many older people can sometimes experience loneliness once their children and grandchildren have grown up and relocated to different cities or, indeed, countries. Mobility problems and financial limitations may also restrict their ability to venture out and meet new friends in different social settings. Furthermore, we considered that all individuals become considerably nostalgic the older they become but may often find it difficult to find others who share these same experiences and memories and with whom they can reminisce.
An online social network would enable older individuals to gain access to a rich community environment in which they can make new friends, provide support, record their memoirs, share stories, discuss memories of war time with others who were there, and possibly be re-connected with acquaintances from long ago. It could also allow them to chat and play online games, such as chess, backgammon, cards and Scrabble, with real opponents from their social network.
Although we liked this idea, we acknowledged that connection to the Internet would require a Personal Computer (PC) or Mac, and that the complicated nature of such devices would be an obstacle for many senior users, with learning how to use a computer (keyboard, mouse, operating system, etc), and the expense of such equipment, being the greatest hindrance to the success of this product idea.
It was with this discussion and realisation at the meeting that we conceived our most popular idea...
TV Internet "Set-Top" Box
The home computer has gained increased popularity over the past decade, arguably due to the falling price of technology, the increased availability of Broadband internet access, and the growing desire of individuals to explore the wealth of information and services available on the World Wide Web (WWW or 'web').
Although web access has been available on mobile devices for some time, including mobile phones, the majority of web users continue to access the internet via desktop computers at either home or work. However, despite this, many users of all ages find computers notoriously bewildering, complicated and difficult to use. For the over 60s the problem is exacerbated when on considers they may not gain the exposure to computers enjoyed by others and in many cases many never consider the need to own one, even if they could justify the expense, despite wanting access to the internet.
Learning to use a computer can be extremely daunting and challenging for the novice, with discovering how to operate basic input devices such as a keyboard and mouse proving almost as challenging as finding one's way around the multi-functional operating system and associated software packages. For many, especially those in the later stages of life, the prospect of learning how to use a computer can be a huge obstacle to gaining access to the internet, discouraging and even preventing them from exploring, and benefiting from, the opportunities presented by the web.
When one also considers the advent of On-demand TV, which will enable popular programmes to be delivered any time via the internet, and the fact that the web also offers a means of cheap/free global communication, older people risk being disadvantaged and left behind as the digital revolution continues.
Through identifying and discussing this problem in detail we conceived the idea of a "set-top box" that would operate as a dedicated, autonomous, internet portal, completely removing the need for a traditional "computer" to access the internet, allowing the elderly to watch On-demand TV, surf and communicate over the web using their standard television set and from the comfort of their own armchair by way of remote control.
As set-top boxes have become increasingly common place in the average home, with many living rooms having Sky/Cable/Freeview boxes, video recorders and DVD players, a dedicated “TV Internet Set-Top Box” would certainly not look out of place amongst existing entertainment devices. Furthermore, it would provide an affordable and simple means through which the over 60s could access the internet with the minimal amount off fuss using just a simple and familiar hand-held interface.
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