Enhancing future community connectivity for ageing well in place :
Co-designing technology & environments
This project explores the needs and challenges of staying connected in later life. We will introduce a selection of people-centred findings from research project - ‘Enhancing Future Community Connectivity for Ageing Well in Place,’ which is being carried out in partnership with Guinness Housing and is funded by The Dunhill Medical Trust. We will explore three high level themes. Based on these we intend to explore connectivity ideas to inform future design and policy propositions.
The study is engaging residents across three separate Independent Living (55+ residents) Guinness Homes UK sites (North; South; Coastal).
It intends to highlight experiences, challenges and desirable characteristics in terms of physical, social and technological connection. Designing for enhanced community connectivity.
Prototyping iterations
PROCESS/
PROJECT REFLECTIONS
Research Objectives
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Future proof 'ageing in place' for our future selves through understanding the challenges and opportunities of Technology Futures for increased connectivity.
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Investigate how a people-driven and design-led understanding of technology can enhance community building, increasing social connectivity among future ageing generations.
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Explore what community connectivity would look like if co-designed with current and future older people.
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Explore how community and connectivity can be co-designed digitally.
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Understand international perspectives on design practices and preferable living environments, where digital technologies are increasingly integral to staying connected.
Cultural Probes : Workbook
For this project, we used cultural probes as a method to gather deep, personal insights from participants. Cultural probes are a creative research tool designed to encourage people to reflect on their lives and experiences. To facilitate this, we created a handbook filled with thoughtful questions that invited participants to share their feelings, routines, and perspectives on community and technology. By encouraging storytelling and self-reflection, the handbook allowed us to capture meaningful insights directly from older generations. This approach helped us better understand their social connections and how technology might enhance their sense of community in the future.
Gathering & Bucketing Insights
We designed a workbook filled with engaging questions and distributed it across various old age homes to gather insights from senior citizens. The workbook encouraged participants to share their thoughts, experiences, and perspectives. Once we collected their responses, we organized their insights using the PESTLE-V framework, helping us categorize the information into Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental, and Values-based themes for deeper analysis.
3 Future Frames Framework
In our project, we applied the Three Future Frames framework to envision and develop future scenarios for senior citizens living in council estates. Using the Scenario frame, we imagined possible worlds where ageing populations could thrive with improved social connections and technological integration. To build these scenarios, we collected insights from our workbook responses, identifying key trends and factors that influence the daily lives of older residents. This step helped us consider what social, technological, and environmental elements our future worlds might rely on.
Next, we explored Situations by depicting specific changes that could unfold within these future worlds. We described how evolving social norms, digital connectivity, or urban design might impact senior citizens' experiences. Finally, in the Stuff frame, we identified potential objects, services, or interventions that could emerge to support these changes. By mapping these insights across the PESTLE-V framework, we ensured our ideas were grounded in real-world influences while allowing space for creative solutions to enhance wellbeing and community engagement.
Organising Signals & Trends
We organized signals and trends by aligning them with the Three Future Frames framework to create a structured approach for imagining future scenarios. First, we gathered insights from our workbook responses and categorized them using the PESTLE-V framework to highlight key themes such as social, technological, and environmental factors.
World Building
We imagined plausible scenarios shaped by social, technological, and environmental shifts, then mapped these to specific situations where senior citizens might experience change. By connecting these insights to tangible objects, services, and interactions, we crafted immersive narratives that reflected how their daily lives could evolve. This approach allowed us to translate abstract trends into relatable, grounded futures that addressed both practical needs and emotional well-being.
Scenarios
By connecting these scenarios to tangible objects and experiences, we created narratives that reflected both challenges and opportunities for future ageing communities.
Key Design / Policy Needs / Implications
​Based on our scenario-building process, we proposed policy suggestions that prioritize inclusivity, digital literacy, and social connectivity. For example, we recommended introducing community-led technology hubs within council housing estates, designed to support older residents in adapting to digital tools. Additionally, we suggested intergenerational programs that foster stronger social ties, ensuring older citizens feel valued and integrated. These policy ideas aim to future-proof ageing communities by promoting both psychological safety and access to essential resources.
The Challenge
The project problem space introduced in this workshop concerns ‘staying connected in later life’ and enhancing ‘community connectivity for ageing in place’.
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Instead of isolating the ageing population and viewing their issues as separate from the rest of society, we should consider how their needs reflect larger societal challenges. The fast-paced lifestyle, overuse of technology, and reliance on online services that limit face-to-face interactions contribute to loneliness across all age groups. Our goal is not only to focus on senior living communities and the care systems surrounding them but also to explore how individuals of all ages can collaborate and age together. By fostering a culture of sharing and connection through space, technology, and experiences, we can help ensure that everyone feels included in society rather than isolated.
“The majority of people are between 75 and 100 years old. OK I’m 71 but a young 71. Nothing of what they do is of interest to me. I want to keep myself young...75% of people here don’t come out of their flats. They’ve sort of come here to die in a way”,
– said an anonymous participant. It is this feeling of despair that we wish to avoid.
Cultural Probes + PESTLE(V) Analysis
Technological :
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“We used to live without most of the technologies we now embrace and it would be good if we were less reliant on them. I think the world is geared up to use technology for everything though sometimes I do wish we could manage without.”
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“I wouldn’t look to technology. It would be more a human contact. Technology is dividing us even more because you’re relying on an inanimate object, electronics, and it’s taking away that human interaction.”
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“Technology is very important if like me and other people living here, it’s a must. I order online and keep in touch with relatives that live a distance away.”
Social :
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“The cost of living is a worry, the cost of rent increasing. Wages not rising. I do not want to be in debt. When I come home from work to an empty flat, here of an evening the community room is empty – loneliness does creep in. Coping by myself is new to me, I have fear and uncertainty about the future.”
“My life revolves around contact with my family. I have a lot of contact with them and try to give them as much support as I can... It’s important that they facetime me at least once a week. It’s a real shame that they live so far away in the South – but that’s why the phone and facetime is really so important for me.”
“I am a chatty person, smile and say hello but as a single woman I do feel less confident. I enjoy company, it is an effort meeting new people.”
Physical :
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“I said we needed a games night in here – but they won’t do it. The men are still working, yes, but they might be up for it at the weekend? Like darts and things for them, or cards.”
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“I think all residents should have use of technology - not everyone has the internet in their flat. So, a central area would greatly benefit from internet access this would bring more of a community spirit, help and supporting each other. When this happens, relationships are strengthened, conversations expand, sharing knowledge and life experiences.”
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“The majority of people are between 75 and 100 years old. OK I’m 71 but a young 71. Nothing of what they do is of interest to me. I want to keep myself young...75% of people here don’t come out of their flats. They’ve sort of come here to die in a way.”
Insights :
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Hesitant to take help: One person mentioned that they prefer to handle tasks on their own rather than rely on assistance. Another expressed a dislike for being treated like a child. However, it is interesting to note that some people desire their children to be present and care for them. This raises questions about how the dynamics of the relationship with the person offering help can influence their willingness to accept it. They may be reluctant to ask for assistance if they feel obligated in any way. Additionally, while they may require some help at certain stages of life, they still wish to be treated as adults rather than children and desire to feel like they are contributing.
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Community spaces are not utilised: Many residents of community homes designed for older adults have expressed that the spaces intended for social interactions are often underutilized. This issue may arise because not many individuals feel comfortable initiating events, leaving the responsibility mainly to one or two more active residents. Additionally, since most of the people living nearby are at a later stage in life, it can be challenging for everyone to stay active and engage in community activities. As a result, some individuals may struggle to discover and pursue their interests.
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Missing physical spaces where they can interact with people: An interesting probe revealed how a person was concerned that physical forms of interactions are reducing in places like traditional banks as more services are getting digital. Several people in their cultural probes have mentioned that places they frequently visit are cafes, post offices, and shops, and they like to interact with the staff there. As self-service and digitisation increase for convenience, they miss out on these personal interactions. This further made us question what community can look like. Instead of just shared homes and common rooms where people don’t naturally go, these services are great touchpoints to build better communities.
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Apprehensions around technology: While many people blame technology for decreasing physical interactions, they also express worries about safety when using online banking applications and transferring money. However, not everyone views technology as a negative force that reduces social interaction. Many individuals appreciate the convenience of online ordering and the ability to connect with their families. They desire improved Wi-Fi connections and want to enhance their digital experiences.
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More ways to find meaning and purpose apart from sharing knowledge: While this last point was not directly from the probes shared with us, it emerged as an important insight from personal experiences and discussions with colleagues during the workshop. Initially, we focused on how older adults can share their experiences, such as traditional recipes and crafts. However, discussions revealed that as we age, we often want to explore new areas and seek greater personal fulfilment and purpose.
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Opportunities for Design Intervention
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Making help not seem like help: Insights show that many people are hesitant to accept help if they feel obliged. However, they appreciate the personal interactions offered by services such as physical banking, visiting post offices, and shopping. We can reconsider the concept of community and explore how individuals, particularly from ageing populations, can engage with one another through transactions of services. This way, they can interact and receive assistance while feeling like active participants in their community.
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Connecting people of different age groups: Connecting people of different age groups: Community spaces and common rooms that are currently restricted to residents and often underutilized can be opened to outside volunteers who can organize events. By renting these spaces for activities such as dance practice, music lessons, and gardening, people of various age groups can collaborate with older residents. This initiative could foster greater interaction and the sharing of interests among individuals of all ages.
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Creative technology for the older population: So far, it seems the use of technology among the older generation is limited to transactional use like banking, video calling and perhaps some social media. While most people have mixed feelings about these, some have strong apprehensions. It will be interesting to see how they can make use of more accessible technology for creative purposes like video editing, song production, etc. that helps them revive old passions in new forms, find a new hobby, and also connect with the younger generation while feeling pride in their new skills. This also onboards them to different applications of technology that are more interesting and perhaps addresses some apprehensions and resistance to learning.
Three Future Frames
Scenarios
Proposal 1: Service-based community
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Scenario: a mutual exchange of services where people of different ages can connect and benefit while also forming friendly relations and a community. Here, a 25-year-old student, Ben, who does not have a lot of time to cook, misses family, and travels a lot can connect with a 67-year-old retired banker, Steve, who has more time to cook and a profound knowledge of healthy recipes but limited mobility due to age.
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Situation: When Steve needs some groceries ordered and some medicines collected from a pharmacy far away, he offers to call Ben over for dinner, who has been busy with assignments. Ben feels grateful and offers to get the groceries required for dinner. Steve also asks him to collect the medicine on the way. Later they can connect over dinner and talk about their day.
Object: This can be facilitated through an online app or a physical notice board at a shared space where people of different age-groups reside.
Proposal 2: Connection through the natural and technological means
Scenario: Sam (11 years) can spend time with his Grandpa over weekends observing plants and flowers in the community garden near Grandpa’s house.He teaches his Grandpa how to record videos and edit them while his grandpa teaches him about the names of plants and seasonal changes
Situation: They meet at the community garden that also has rides and stuff for children along with plants, flowers and occasional visits from animals that can be observed.
Object: The camera can have templates to help observe nature, help frame subjects, and record easily. The object helps Sam and Grandpa connect and also helps Grandpa produce videos that he can share with his friends and be proud of
Proposal 3: Future Community Learning & Technology Integration for the Elderly
Scenario: In a future community learning hub, elderly individuals engage in technology-integrated and skill-based workshops to build confidence and social connections. Margaret, a 70-year-old retired teacher, hesitant about digital tools, joins a workshop where she meets Alex, a 30-year-old tech consultant. She helps him refine his public speaking skills, while he introduces her to AI-assisted learning tools, easing her fear of technology.
Situation: Margaret struggles with digital services but gains confidence through interactive learning sessions. As she progresses, she starts mentoring new learners, fostering intergenerational exchange.
Object: Smart classrooms with AI tutors and gamified learning encourage seniors to transition from learners to mentors, promoting lifelong learning.
Key Design / Policy Needs / Implications
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Intergenerational Engagement Policies: Encourage policies that facilitate shared community spaces and service exchanges between different age groups, ensuring mutual benefit and fostering stronger social connections.
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Incentivizing Community Participation: Implement incentive systems for businesses and individuals who contribute to intergenerational initiatives, like offering services or organizing events in senior living spaces. Make ‘offering time’ a bigger currency in such places for people who have to leave their parents/grandparents to work elsewhere.
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Technology Accessibility & Education: Develop user-friendly digital tools designed for older adults that help them find creative interests and bridge the generational digital divide through hands-on, interest-driven activities.
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Reimagining Community Spaces: Redesign and repurpose underutilized common areas in senior residences, integrating them with public services (e.g., cafes, libraries, activity hubs) to naturally encourage interactions across age groups.
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Encouraging Purposeful Contributions: Shift the focus from merely assisting the elderly to empowering them with opportunities for meaningful engagement, such as knowledge-sharing programs, creative workshops, or mentorship roles so they remain active contributors to society.