Short answer
Design projects for older adults should actively incorporate their creative input and lived experiences throughout the entire design and implementation process, not just as recipients of services.
- Field
- User-Centred Design
- Source
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2023)
- Method
- Qualitative research using narrative interviews.
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Involving older adults as active partners in the design and delivery of arts-health programs leads to more effective and holistic care. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Using Qualitative research using narrative interviews., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Design projects for older adults should actively incorporate their creative input and lived experiences throughout the entire design and implementation process, not just as recipients of services.
Co-creation models enhance arts-health practices for older adults
Involving older adults as active partners in the design and delivery of arts-health programs leads to more effective and holistic care.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 2023
Key Findings
- 01Older adults can be active partners in arts-health practices, utilizing their late-life creativity.
- 02Improved dynamics in collaborative and mutual learning processes enhance the integration of new practices.
- 03Three central stages of developing arts-health practices were identified.
- 04Two theoretical models were proposed to support collaborative partnerships.
Application
Design takeaway
Design projects for older adults should actively incorporate their creative input and lived experiences throughout the entire design and implementation process, not just as recipients of services.
How to apply
When designing any service or product for older adults, establish mechanisms for them to contribute creatively and collaboratively from the initial concept through to the final delivery and evaluation.
Project actions
- 01Involve older adults in your design process through workshops, interviews, or co-design sessions.
- 02Consider how your design can empower older adults to be active participants rather than passive consumers.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Focuses on empirical perspectives from multiple stakeholders.
- +Proposes theoretical models for practical application.
- +Addresses a growing area of interest in aging studies.
Limitations
The specific cultural contexts of Finland and South Korea might influence the applicability of the proposed models in other regions.
Reliability & validity
The use of narrative interviews provides rich qualitative data, but the findings' generalizability may be limited. Triangulation with other methods could enhance validity.
Think critically
How might the proposed co-creation models be adapted for different cultural contexts or for user groups with varying levels of mobility or cognitive ability?
Design Principles
"Embrace co-creation: Involve end-users as active partners in the design and delivery of solutions to ensure relevance and effectiveness."
This research highlights the critical role of user involvement in developing services for aging populations. By shifting from a provider-centric to a co-creative approach, designers can foster more meaningful engagement and better outcomes, respecting the lived experiences and creativity of older adults.
What This Means for Your Design
When you design things for older people, it's best to work *with* them, not just *for* them. Let them help create and deliver the activities, because their ideas and creativity are valuable.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when justifying the use of participatory design methods or user involvement strategies in your design project.
- 2.Use the identified stages of arts-health practice development as a potential framework for your own project's development process.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research supports a user-centered design approach by demonstrating that involving older adults as active co-creators in arts-health practices leads to more effective and holistic outcomes. The study's findings suggest that empowering users to contribute their creativity and lived experiences throughout the design and delivery process is essential for developing relevant and impactful services for aging populations.
Source
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Theoretical Models of Collaborative Partnerships in Arts-Health Care Practices for Older Adults
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about co-creation models enhance arts-health practices for older adults?
- Design projects for older adults should actively incorporate their creative input and lived experiences throughout the entire design and implementation process, not just as recipients of services. Evidence: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2023).
- Why does "Co-creation models enhance arts-health practices for older adults" matter for design?
- This research highlights the critical role of user involvement in developing services for aging populations. By shifting from a provider-centric to a co-creative approach, designers can foster more meaningful engagement and better outcomes, respecting the lived experiences and creativity of older adults.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Design projects for older adults should actively incorporate their creative input and lived experiences throughout the entire design and implementation process, not just as recipients of services.
- What were the main findings?
- Older adults can be active partners in arts-health practices, utilizing their late-life creativity.. Improved dynamics in collaborative and mutual learning processes enhance the integration of new practices.. Three central stages of developing arts-health practices were identified.. Two theoretical models were proposed to support collaborative partnerships.
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative research using narrative interviews..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing any service or product for older adults, establish mechanisms for them to contribute creatively and collaboratively from the initial concept through to the final delivery and evaluation.
- What are the limitations?
- The study's findings are based on a specific cultural context (Finland and South Korea) and may not be universally applicable without adaptation.