Material traces

In this study, we collaborated with researchers from the University of Sussex and older residents of Newhaven to develop interactive technologies for their local community. This involved participatory design workshops and interviews with local residents looking at the possibilities for more community-oriented interaction through technology.

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Project timeframe

This research commenced around July 2015 and ended in October 2016.

Project aims

The aims of this research project were to:

  • look at ways of engaging different generations (older and younger people) in public spaces by developing prototype community-oriented displays and interactive technologies.
  • use a participatory design approach which involved older people as part of a design team working on interactive digital 'exhibits' for their local community that would encourage fruitful interaction with the younger generation.

The research used participatory design workshops with older people to develop lo-fi prototypes and then took these out onto the streets of Newhaven to gauge residents’ opinion. We were particularly interested in finding out how people of different generations would feel about knowing more about one another through such technological interactions. 

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Project findings and impact

There was great interest and enthusiasm about the project itself and the prospect of developing a greater awareness of the local community through new technologies. However, the specifics of potential interactions and the problems associated with any personal data being shared in a public space were seen as real obstacles to any implementation in Newhaven. First, the specifics of place had to be acknowledged and detailed before they could be embedded within the design of any community-oriented technologies. We continue to work with members of the Newhaven community on possible future implementations.

Research team

Output

Light, A., Hamilton, T., Howland, K., and Harley, D. (In Review) ‘It Wouldn’t Work Here’: The Significance of Place in the Design of a Digital Tool for Supporting Sociality. Proceedings of CHI'17 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems. ACM, 2017.

Partners

Creative Technology Group at Sussex University: Ann Light, Tom Hamilton and Kate Howland

The Meridian Mature Citizens Forum and the Hillcrest Community Centre, Newhaven