Cross-National User Priorities for Housing Provision and Accessibility - Findings from the European innovAge Project.
Author
Summary, in English
To develop an innovative information and communication technology (ICT) tool intended to help older people in their search for optimal housing solutions, a first step in the development process is to gain knowledge from the intended users. Thus the aim of this study was to deepen the knowledge about needs and expectations about housing options as expressed and prioritized by older people, people ageing with disabilities and professionals. A participatory design focus was adopted; 26 people with a range of functional limitations representing the user perspective and 15 professionals with a variety of backgrounds, participated in research circles that were conducted in four European countries. An additional 20 experts were invited as guests to the different research circle meetings. Three themes illustrating cross-national user priorities for housing provision and accessibility were identified: "Information barrier: accessible housing", "Information barrier: housing adaptation benefits", and "Cost barrier: housing adaptations". In conclusion, early user involvement and identification of cross-national differences in priorities and housing options will strengthen the development of a user-friendly ICT tool that can empower older people and people with disabilities to be more active consumers regarding housing provision.
Department/s
Publishing year
2015
Language
English
Pages
2670-2686
Publication/Series
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume
12
Issue
3
Full text
- Available as PDF - 844 kB
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Links
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
MDPI AG
Topic
- Environmental Health and Occupational Health
Status
Published
Project
- INNOVAGE - User driven housing for older people
Research group
- Active and Healthy Ageing Research Group
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1660-4601