Challenges in the Design of Products for Elderly People

Paetzold K, Wartzack S, Miehling J (2013)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Conference contribution, Conference Contribution

Publication year: 2013

Pages Range: 13-21

Conference Proceedings Title: Proceedings of the 9th Workshop on Integrated Product Development

Event location: Magdeburg DE

ISBN: 978-3-941016-05-7

URI: https://www.mfk.uni-erlangen.de?file=pubmfk_5640bbcb9f695

Abstract

In recent years, there were significant changes in our society related to age structures and this will have an appreciable effect in the coming years. This demographic change is accompanied by an aging society, a challenge for all areas of our life. The engineering sciences can offer solutions, which support less for fundamental change in the situation, but certainly can mitigate the effects of these changes on the society. Using technical systems, we are able to preserve the quality of life, so that e.g. life in a familiar home environment is possible without additional support even in old age. The development of technological systems for this group of users is challenging as the elderly not only have very complex but also very individual requirements for products. This is due to their life experiences, socialisation as well as their age-and disease-related restrictions. Challenges that arise for product development are presented in this paper. Furthermore the benefits and ongoing research of utilising computer technology to support the development of products for elderly people are outlined. To stay competitive these days the virtual product development is continually promoted but in the context of products for seniors especially the virtual assessment of user-product interfaces has the potential to reveal, analyse and optimise cause-effect relationships, possibly not observable neglecting these emerging digital technologies.

Authors with CRIS profile

Sandro Wartzack Chair of Engineering Design (KTmfk) Jörg Miehling Chair of Engineering Design (KTmfk)

How to cite

APA:

Paetzold, K., Wartzack, S., & Miehling, J. (2013). Challenges in the Design of Products for Elderly People. In Lötzsch K, Wünsch A, Vajna S (Eds.), Proceedings of the 9th Workshop on Integrated Product Development (pp. 13-21). Magdeburg, DE.

MLA:

Paetzold, Kristin, Sandro Wartzack, and Jörg Miehling. "Challenges in the Design of Products for Elderly People." Proceedings of the 9th International Workshop on Integrated Product Development, Magdeburg Ed. Lötzsch K, Wünsch A, Vajna S, 2013. 13-21.

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