Guidelines Towards Better Participation of Older Adults in Software Development Processes using a new SPIRAL Method and Participatory Approach

TL;DR

This paper introduces the SPIRAL method, a participatory and flexible approach to involve older adults in agile software development, enhancing user empowerment and sustainability in startup environments.

Contribution

It proposes the SPIRAL method, combining participatory design and a Living Lab concept, to improve older adult engagement in early-stage software development for startups.

Findings

SPIRAL enhances older adults' involvement from early stages.

The method supports rapid prototyping with limited resources.

It fosters user empowerment and sustainable development practices.

Abstract

This paper presents a new method of engaging older participants in the process of application and IT solutions development for older adults for emerging IT and tech startups. A new method called SPIRAL (Support for Participant Involvement in Rapid and Agile software development Labs) is proposed which adds both sustainability and flexibility to the development process with older adults. This method is based on the participatory approach and user empowerment of older adults with the aid of a bootstrapped Living Lab concept and it goes beyond well established user-centered and empathic design. SPIRAL provides strategies for direct involvement of older participants in the software development processes from the very early stage to support the agile approach with rapid prototyping, in particular in new and emerging startup environments with limited capabilities, including time, team and resources.