Final Happiness: What Intelligent User Interfaces Can Do for The Lonely Dying

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel framework for designing Intelligent User Interfaces as existential companions to alleviate loneliness among terminally ill individuals, emphasizing transcendence over simulation to enhance their quality of life.

Contribution

It introduces an empirically-grounded model and a design framework for IUIs that serve as existential partners, addressing psychological and spiritual needs of the dying.

Findings

IUIs should aim for transcendence over simulation.

Technology can deepen loneliness if it mimics human connection.

Design principles improve quality of life for terminally ill individuals.

Abstract

This study explores the design of Intelligent User Interfaces (IUIs) to address the profound existential loneliness of terminally ill individuals. While Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) has made inroads in "Thanatechnology," current research often focuses on practical aspects like digital legacy management, overlooking the subjective, existential needs of those facing death in isolation. To address this gap, we conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 14 lonely, terminally ill individuals. Our core contributions are: (1) An empirically-grounded model articulating the complex psychological, practical, social, and spiritual needs of this group; (2) The "Three Pillars, Twelve Principles" framework for designing IUIs as "Existential Companions"; and (3) A critical design directive derived from user evaluations: technology in this context should aim for transcendence over simulation. The findings suggest that IUIs should create experiences that augment or surpass human capabilities, rather than attempting to simulate basic human connections, which can paradoxically deepen loneliness. This research provides a clear, user-centered path for designing technology that serves not as a "tool for dying," but as a "partner for living fully until the end".