3 hougan prague presentation

Designing narrative

for an ageing population

Glen Hougan: NSCAD University, Halifax, Canada IFA 2012

Carl Fredericksen UP (2009)

Carl Fredericksen UP (2009)

Tacky Stupid Cranky

“I’m right there in the room, and no one even acknowledges me”

"Ageism reflects a deep

seated uneasiness on the

part of the young and

middle-aged - a personal

revulsion to and distaste

for growing old, disease,

disability; and a fear of

powerlessness, 'uselessness',

and death"

What is driving the ageist narrative in design?

1. Who is defining the design language? The healthcare and medical industry

2. What types of products and environments associated with an aged population? Assistive aids and health monitoring/control devices and environments

3. What is the design intent? Primarily driven by an industry and product categories primarily concerned with functionality and control

The Ten-Point Plan for Ageism Reduction in Design

1. Heighten designer’s sensitivity to the stereotyping of older people.

2. Creating greater exposure to the diversity older people.

Young-old (65-74) Middle-old or old (75-84) Oldest-old or frail elderly (85+

3. Making deliberate use of perspective taking to see the older person as an individual.




4. Greater commitment to recognizing the diversity

of products and environments used by older people.

5. Promote the social attractiveness of older people through attractive design

6. Seeking out opportunities for intergenerational design cooperation .

7. Strengthening educational practices that promote empathy .

8. Design for growth and independence/interdependence

instead of degeneration and dependency.

9. Review policies and practices of other

professions and institutions for evidence of ageism.

10. Ageism training

Thank you

Glen Hougan: NSCAD University, Halifax, Canada IFA 2012