Page 88 - Process_book_Carla Ann_Lloren

2
The Backdrop
The initial aim of the study was to explore a solution to reduce
loneliness/social isolation amongst older adults through ‘sense of
purpose’. Findings from the literature review and primary research
indicated that sense of purpose has a strong relationship in alleviating
loneliness. However, it was also discovered in the literature that sense of
purpose has not been fully explored yet as a solution for the issue. This
made the hypothesis testing phase of the study critical in adding to the
body of knowledge tackling loneliness/social isolation amongst older
adults.
Limitations and Recommendations
Reflection prototyping phases, as with any project access to primary stakeholders
Though rigor has been implemented in the user feedback tests across
and time constraints can impact findings. Hence, it is recommended to
do actual user testing amongst a wider based of older adults specifically
aiming for a good representation of personalities: Introverts, Extroverts
and the In-Betweens and also including those with less skills / low
involvement to passions or hobbies to further test the findings. This shall
ensure validity of this study’s results and shall also test the accessibility
of TheGoodNeighbour amongst a wider range of older adults.
Further studies on profiling older adults is also needed not just to
validate the identified profiles and their needs BUT also to be able to add
dimensions and nuances to the initial profile set since not all older adults
are the same. Capturing this diversity also implies that the needs of a
wider base of older adults will be met.
In pure qualitative research studies, the context of the participants is
critical to understand. This study explored not just the interactions of
participants within their immediate environment but also took into
consideration the broader context in which they are situated in. This
gives a higher probability and chance for the proposed solution to work
and be successful in its aim.
Chapter 7 Reflection
Proposed initiatives like SLOWDOWNWITHME have the potential to
positively impact not only older adults but also other members of the
neighbourhood combating loneliness and isolation. Hence, I believe that
TheGoodNeighbour can truly uplift older adults and benefit the society
overall.
Expansion Potential
Acknowledging the diversity of older adults, the current activities proposed
for the sub-brands can be further expanded in the future. Future research
can be done to tailor activities to the needs of older adults in a specific
various cultures and geography.
area/location. This shall ensure greater accessibility of this service across
In a few years' time, the third proposed idea in the Ideation phase - “Pockets
of Purpose in all spaces” - has a potential to be adopted as the next
development phase for TheGoodNeighbour given the adaptation of
technology amongst those in their 50’s and early 60’s of today.
Personal Reflection
Overall, despite the vastness and complexity of tackling loneliness and
social isolation amongst older adults, the design thinking approach has truly
been instrumental in narrowing and pinning-down the real issue that must
be addressed. For a successful design to be birthed it must really be strongly
anchored on a deep understanding of the needs of the primary stakeholder,
the societal context in which they operate and the other stakeholders that
will affect or make the design solution work. This study has looked into all
these dimensions and has strictly adhered to the 4 design stages of Explore,
Define, Ideate and Deliver. The iterative process within and between the
stages has facilitated the development of a viable solution for addressing
this long-standing problem.