Supporting Elder Connectedness through Cognitively Sustainable Design Interactions with the Memory Music Box

Abstract

Isolation is one of the largest contributors to a lack of wellbeing, increased anxiety and loneliness in older adults. In collaboration with elders in living facilities, we designed the Memory Music Box; a low-threshold platform to increase connectedness. The HCI community has contributed notable research in support of elders through monitoring, tracking and memory augmentation. Despite the Information and Communication Technologies field (ICT) advances in providing new opportunities for connection, challenges in accessibility increase the gap between elders and their loved ones. We approach this challenge by embedding a familiar form factor with innovative applications, performing design evaluations with our key target group to incorporate multi-iteration learnings. These findings culminate in a novel design that facilitates elders in crossing technology and communication barriers. Based on these findings, we discuss how future inclusive technologies for the older adults' can balance ease of use, subtlety and elements of Cognitively Sustainable Design.

Customized Information and Communication Technology for Reducing Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Adults: Scoping Review

“…Achilleos et al [ 45 ] created a customized device using existing devices such as the Mac mini, camera, and microphone, whereas Garattini et al [ 54 ] created a novel “building bridges device” using a touch screen computer connected to a custom-made stand along with a phone handset. Similarly, an Android phone was turned into a Raspberry-like board to create a memory music box [ 55 ]. Approximately 5% (2/39) of the studies used tangible interfaces such as a flower vase with a microphone [ 31 ] or a glass window with a television screen, camera, and microphone [ 56 ].…”

“…Angelini et al [ 56 ] used glass windows to establish a permanent video connection with a distant relative by opening the blind of a window screen. In a similar way, Kleinberger et al [ 55 ] created a memory music box. When older adults open the box, a photo slideshow is played and a notification is sent to their grandchild via email automatically.…”

Listening Together while Apart: Intergenerational Music Listening

“…Prior work explored music-related interventions to support intergenerational communication for physically separated grandparents and grandchildren. Kleinberger et al [9] facilitated music-triggered conversation between grandparents and adult grandchildren in the Memory Music Box; grandchildren created slides with pictures and music for their grandparents, with a passive grandparent role of only viewing picture slideshows. Tibau et al [23] explored synchronous music listening to support communication between grandparents and young grandchildren.…”

“…Maintaining intergenerational relationships remains difficult, for example due to geographical separation [2], lack of common ground [9], scheduling challenges [2,9], and recently, pandemic related restrictions. We explored the use of technology for supporting such intergenerational relationships.…”

“…However, as these are commonly designed for work (e.g., Zoom, Skype), or simple video conferencing (e.g., FaceTime), they have limited functionality designed to support more casual intergenerational interaction. Similarly, research has investigated asynchronous platforms to tackle scheduling challenges, such as by enabling one to leave digital messages (e.g., pictures, songs) for remote family members (e.g., [2,9]). However, asynchronous approaches do not provide the richness and depth of synchronous conversation [8,17].…”