Toolkits for developing digital platforms to help older people stay physically or socially active produced through codesign workshops: real-world impact assessment through 10 case studies. (Preprint)

Abstract

Many ‘toolkits’ for developers have been designed but are sometimes criticised for their tokenistic approach. Few have been assessed for impact in real-world settings. Based on thematic analysis of 135 codesign workshops four preliminary toolkits were produced to help developers of digital products aiming to keep older people active.

Many ‘toolkits’ for developers have been designed but are sometimes criticised for their tokenistic approach. Few have been assessed for impact in real-world settings. Based on thematic analysis of 135 codesign workshops four preliminary toolkits were produced to help developers of digital products aiming to keep older people active.

Many ‘toolkits’ for developers have been designed but are sometimes criticised for their tokenistic approach. Few have been assessed for impact in real-world settings. Based on thematic analysis of 135 codesign workshops four preliminary toolkits were produced to help developers of digital products aiming to keep older people active.

Ten organizations including charitable sector organizations and small businesses were each awarded £5000 to use the toolkits in mini projects to improve their product functionality. Their proposals included digital music and movement, reminiscence, social connectedness, and directory type products. Developers were already broadly aware of many considerations presented but using the toolkist gave them confidence in what they were doing. Using toolkits also enabled developers to demonstrate that they were working with university teams, so instilling client confidence. Toolkits were used for horizon scanning where developers were considering moving into new product areas and prioritising on improving existing products. Developers reported impacts including 1) better integration and ability to scale up their services; 2) provision of more detailed evaluation and reporting to clients; 3) more useable and appropriate products. These improvements enabled retention and increase in client bases, widening of collaborations, and further funding for product development given their improved confidence. However, developers reported that the funding to use the toolkits for the mini projects was the key catalyst for change. For some, lack of funding (i.e. just toolkit provision) would have meant change occurred at a slower pace, and the quality of development might have been reduced.

These preliminary toolkits provided prompts and ideas for the better design of digital products to keep older people active. These toolkits, developed with stakeholders, provide a useful complementary method of learning from the experience of others where designers may not have access to target populations or resources for codesign. The toolkits gave developers and their clients confidence in their work to improve functionality and with the funding helped them improve their products. As part of a mix of different types of support that developers might need, the toolkits can help developers produce products more relevant for older people. The toolkits have subsequently been refined and are available for others to use to help keep older people physically and socially active.