Research with an older audience

Whatever definition of 'older people' we might use, the number of older people throughout the world is increasing at a rapid pace. The general characteristics of older adults, along with demographic and technological trends requires particular attention when designing the user interfaces that they will use. Therefore, it is important to get research right when targeting this audience, and more importantly, to involve this audience when conducting research on products that affect them.

At this Meetup we will hear a range of talks including: hints on tips on how research should be conducted, a deep dive into an NHS case study and the challenges faced when researching with the 65+ audience, and the cultural issues faced by businesses when addressing this audience and how these issues can become innovation opportunities.

This event is sponsored by the BBC. There will be nibbles, drinks and ample time for networking.

Getting to the venue:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/broadcastinghouse/visitorinformation

Make your way into New Broadcasting House via the main revolving doors, turning left to the Media Café. You’ll be greeted by Audience Services at the desk outside the Media Café where they will sign you in and direct you through security.

Event schedule:

6:30: Doors open and networking time

7:00: Introduction from Research Thing Team and BBC

7:10 - 7:30: The how to's of research with an older audience (Simon Rubens from New Experience, @newexp_research)

7:40 - 8:05 Getting old isn't what it used to be (Joanna Brassett from Studio INTO, @joanna.brassett and @we_are_into)

8:10 onwards - networking time

Programme:

The how to's of research with an older audience (Simon Rubens from New Experience, @newexp_research)

Conducting research with older people can be a joy and need not be seen as a particular challenge. We offer some hints and tips to help ensure the experience is smooth and rewarding for researcher, client and participant.

Getting old isn't what it used to be (Joanna Brassett from Studio INTO, @joannabrassett and @we_are_into)

The ageing population is one of the four global forces reshaping the world's economy. This talk will investigate some key social and cultural issues that arise from this change of demographics. By pointing out how businesses, organisations and brands could address such issues and turn them into innovation opportunities Joanna will point out four important areas for future for research. Finally she will also look at how research methods could be integrated in the development of such opportunity areas by sharing some examples and case studies from her work with Kinnarps, MaxiCosi, Government Office for Science Foresight and Anhalt University of Applied Sciences in Dessau, Germany.

Speaker bios (https://www.meetup.com/researchthing/pages/Speakers_-_research_with_older_users_April_2016/)

We look forward to seeing you at this event!