Iteration and Co-design of a Physical Web Application for Outdoor Activities with Older Adults

TL;DR

This paper presents the iterative co-design of a Physical Web application aimed at encouraging outdoor physical activities among older adults, based on qualitative research and user feedback.

Contribution

It introduces a novel interactive Physical Web prototype tailored for outdoor wellness parks, developed through participatory co-design with older adults.

Findings

Older adults found the prototype engaging and motivating for outdoor activities.

User feedback informed key design improvements for future iterations.

The co-design process effectively captured user needs and preferences.

Abstract

Existing research and physical activity guidelines highlight the benefits of outdoor physical activities for ageing populations. There is potential for technology to facilitate outdoor activity through Physical Web infrastructure. We proposed that embedding Physical Web applications that are engaging and interactive in public open spaces as part of interactive wellness parks can encourage older adults to participate in physical activities outdoors and motivate rehabilitation. We have created an initial design prototype based on design requirements generated from a qualitative field study with 24 older adults to explore their perceptions, experiences, and routines of outdoor physical activities. In this paper, we present an initial prototype and findings from a co-design session with 12 older adults, eliciting their feedback on the design and their ideas for future design iterations.