DESIGN FOR SENTIMENT-ANCY: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK TO IMPROVE USER’S WELL-BEING THROUGH FOSTERING EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT IN THE USER EXPERIENCE WITH THEIR ASSISTIVE DEVICES

This study investigates how the ageing population interact with objects, what kind of bond individuals form using their assistive devices, and what methods are applied during the product design process to help improve the user experience leading to a long-term product relationship? This research aims to conduct a longitudinal study involving/discussing the interplay between end-user, designer and product. By developing an evaluation tool with which to describe and analyse the bond people form with their assistive devices and integrate the human emotions as a factor during the development of the product design process. The focus will be on the assistive technology market, namely, the aid-for-daily-living market targeting the seniors in the UK, to increase the quality of wellbeing. Findings will enable a better understanding of the real issues of the product experience relating to individuals’ interaction throughout the product performance, establishing awareness of the emotional effects of fostering the product attachment, and help product developers and future designers create a connection between users and their assistive devices. The research concludes by discussing the implications of these findings for professionals and academics to identify new areas that can stimulate new /or developed design directions. The result of this paper will define plans for further investigation as part of a current PhD research project. Framework and evaluation tools are currently being developed and will soon follow this publication.