Simulation and reflective experience: An effective teaching strategy to sensitize interior design students to the visual needs of older adults

Given global population ageing, there is a pressing need to train students of design using methods that convey the impact of age-related vision impairments on the everyday function of older adults. Design students participated in an experiential study wearing goggles that simulated the prevalent markers of senescence and eye diseases, then completed everyday tasks such as walking down a hall and negotiating visual information. Results reflected the difficulty in detecting objects and signage as experienced by individuals who have visual problems. Students strongly agreed that the simulation experience was valuable and reflective comments on the experience provided insights regarding the perceived difficulty of walking as well as a heightened empathy towards those experiencing age-related eye problems. This study revealed that learning about visual senescence through lectures or cognitive emphasis curriculum could be strengthened by incorporating simulation as a teaching strategy to sensitize design students to the needs of older adults.