Link

M. Mikkonen Nokia Mobile Phones, Oulu, Finland
S. Väyrynen Work Science Laboratory, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
V. Ikonen Work Science Laboratory, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland and Nokia Mobile Phones, Oulu, Finland
M. O. Heikkilä Nokia Mobile Phones, Oulu, Finland

Personal and Ubiquitous Computing archive
Volume 6 , Issue 2 (April 2002) table of contents
Pages: 113 - 124
Year of Publication: 2002
ISSN:1617-4909

Abstract:
The basis of this study was the ageing of the population all over the world. The study concentrated on finding out the key service needs of elderly people. The service needs from the end users’ as well as the experts’ perspective were gathered by means of various group methods such ideation sessions. Four mobile communication service concepts were created using these groups’ opinions. After diverse communication, these concepts were tested by the elderly. The research methods comprised a user study and a concept study. Based on the results, the needs could be prioritised. Additionally, the main trend of the results confirmed the opinions presented in the literature. One important finding was the positive opinions about additional value of wireless devices and services. This knowledge can be used in mobile communication product development. Most of the elderly are ready to accept new forms of mobile communication service. Ease of use and actual need of the services are important criteria. The elderly are ready to begin using the services as long as they truly facilitate independent living.

My Discussion:
Utterly by the numbers exploration of services of rthe lederly -- and that is why the paper is so remarkable. It captures a process that actually doesn't happen in most software creation efforts: that of actually finding out properly what the target audience wants, and what context they live in. The paper descrbes the formats for this solliciting of ideas, and has pointers to more information about them, while listing some points they found make the exercises more useful.