Final Happiness: What Intelligent User Interfaces Can Do for The Lonely Dying
Yibo Meng, Rong Fu, Lyumanshan Ye, Zhiming Liu, Zhixin Cai, Xiaolan Ding, Yan Guan

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.…
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Taxonomy
TopicsGrief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Innovative Human-Technology Interaction · Death Anxiety and Social Exclusion
