Glen Hougan is doing some really interesting work at NSCAD, the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, in Halifax. Glen is thinking a lot about designing products for an ageing population.
Nora spoke to him recently about a few of his projects. First off, Glen explains how his students have created “ageing suits” they can wear to understand the physical limitations of seniors. He goes on to talk about ageism in design and how products created for an older population tend to focus on functionality rather than aesthetics or beauty, a major problem in his opinion. (Walker, we’re looking at you!) Finally, Nora asks Glen about his latest project, a new “intergenerational” space especially designed for residents of Halifax seniors building and elementary school students.
Lots of interesting insights and examples in this interview.
What do you think about Glen’s observations? Are there examples of poor design, or great design, that you can add to this conversation?
A shorter version of this interview will air on the February 25 and28 episode of Spark, but you can hear the full, uncut interview below, or download the MP3.
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original photo by laRuth
I am 69 – Have broken my wrist, and broken my leg – so learning to find things that work becomes very important – appreciate his comment about good design being primost. meeting everybody's needs , ugly & bulky I don't need.
I found that it is easier to get into a Honda CRV or truck much easier than a low car, similarly wing chairs with arms are better than soft sofas, I use a kneeling stool for working on the computer as it is easier on my back.
Earrings with a snap clip are much easier to use – as getting someone else to put my errings on was out of the question.
A jacket [Sarah Clothes] with tggles and loops it easier to use than button holes and heaven forbid those zippers that work both up and down.
Garments that are clearly maked FRONT are a relief to put on.
The nordic walkers looks great, but $81,00?
I had a rather elegant cain with a brass handle that carried a dram of liquor, now just look for one that is elegant to walk with as a weapon of choice.
Telephones and celphones with large numbers.
Small size pots and chopping boards in bright colours make me happy.
I talked to another researcher about some of these issues, who commented that the iPhone was an example of great design that is also great for older users, because you can make the screen nice and bright and the buttons were large and clear. Also, the kneeling stool reminds me of those posture chairs that you rest your knees on. It shifts the centre of gravity and is better for your back.
I was encouraged to hear that someone is designing things for people like me. I have osteoarthritis in hips, knees, ankles, thumbs & some fingers and some toes, but am not willing to just sit on the sidelines just yet!
I use a foldable cane whenever I go shopping. It really helps me get up into a bus—those steps are so freakin' high!
I'd really like to see more brightly coloured canes that don't just scream : Old and Decrepit!!" !!.
I'd like to see more stylish shoes [with easy closures] that also give support for walking, but still look good.
I'd like more choices in underwear [esp. bras] that can just pull up & on.
I'd like small chairs that can clip to a wheely shopping bag, to sit on when I'm tired.
Swimsuits for older people need to be easier to pull on and fasten, and with nice stylish fabrics!!!
Something to help pull on support stockings would be great.
NICE LOOKING coloured support kneesocks would be soooo appreciated !
My yoga ball is a GREAT footstool and I can exercise my ankles while I sit.!
We [62 yrs old and plus] need to keep exercising and involved in what's happening.
So thankyou , Nora Young, and Glen Hougan! —steps in the right direction!
Anneke
I've recently helped an intelligent older person with computer skills to 'program' a clever reminder mechanism for pills which would nestle inside a fan shaped pill tray so that those who have to take medication several to 7 times a day could have a faithful reminder. The little alarm (or the vibrator option or both) had a small screen with clear symbols and the instructions were relatively straightforward but everything of necessity was somewhat cramped. The device had baffled my friend and apparently many others. I don't know if such items get tested by the intended audience. It can be soo frustrating and discouraging for seniors to not 'get it'. I ended up typing up plain language instructions which included encouraging messages that assured her she wouldn't break it and that ultimately we'd get it right. My secretary pointed out that the packaging should have admitted that the hearing impaired wouldn't be able to hear it and that the visually impaired wouldn't be able to see which button to push to turn it off. So many subsets of complications though so no one device would be good but people end up buying several before they find one which suits….lots of waste,added frustration and humiliation.