Age & Ability Research Lab
How can designers shape a future that includes people of all ages and abilities?
The Age & Ability Research Lab creates practical design ideas to improve the lives of people of all ages and abilities. We address the major challenges of daily living using the techniques of design ethnography and inclusive design to understand needs and aspirations. We see people as equals in the process, working closely with older, younger and differently-abled people throughout the research.
Current research questions
- In the drive towards civic participation and social innovation, older people are often seen as the passive recipients of help. How can older people become more central to the community – as participants, commentators, evaluators and even instigators?
- Purchasing, learning and using technology can be a negative experience for people of all ages but frustrating for older people in particular. How can a design-centred approach help to overcome the digital divide and create more human and positive interaction with devices and services?
- How can the major, everyday concerns of older and differently abled people be met? These include health concerns, financial worries, reduced mobility, social isolation and lack of ability to complete daily tasks independently in the home?
- How can design thinking and the processes of design ethnography help to meet the challenges of working with people with cognitive impairments, such as those with dementia or autism spectrum disorders?
- How can we go beyond the current mainstream attitudes towards ageing to look at issues such as sexual health?
- The conflicts and convergences between ageing populations and environmental and economic sustainability need to be studied. How can we ensure that older people and differently-abled people are included in the debate and that sustainable solutions are not just authored for a young or able-bodied population?
