Living Labs as a Methodological Approach to Universal Access in Senior Design

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the potential of using the Living Lab methodology as an approach to ensuring universal access when designing for senior citizens. Our understanding of Living Labs is based on a recent study of 32 Living Labs cases, identifying central activities and issues in different applications of the methodology. We describe a Danish Living Lab project initiated to design for better quality of life for senior citizens in Sølund, a nursing home in Copenhagen. Two crucial concepts from the Living Lab methodology – co-creation and context – act as the core concepts for our analysis of user participation and universal access in Living Labs in general and in the Sølund Living Lab specifically. In our conclusion we suggest areas that should be given special attention when designing Living Lab projects and selecting user participants.