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Since completing the Helen Hamlyn Research Associates Programme, five former Research Associates plus an ex-RCA architecture graduate have set up the Arcola Collective (www.arcolacollective.com). Building on their work on the programme they aim to employ creative methods of user-centred research to generate new products, environments and ways of communicating that respond to people's desires and needs.
Working with the Arcola Collective, Jo Taylor was commissioned alongside Edward Goodwin, Richard Hartshorn and Tim Parsons, to design a room for the British Council's largest design exhibition to date. Hometime was on tour in China (2003-04) and consists of eight rooms.
The Arcola Collective used this opportunity to discuss with and interview older people, including Terence Conran, Kenneth Grange and Margaret Calvert, about their attitudes to design, what matters to them in the home and how their outlooks are changing as they age. The resulting film, Now You're Talking, and an exhibition of products, some of which are mentioned in the film, gives insights into what designers might consider in their working process when designing for older people.
Through this work the Arcola Collective have used their research process as the design solution for this commission.
stills from 'Now you're Talking'
updated 15 March 2004
