Sustainable Design for the Silver Society: Developing the Silver Model for Gerontechnology Product Innovation

Abstract

In response to the challenges posed by an aging society, the field of gerontechnology has evolved, integrating technology with gerontology to enhance designs tailored for the elderly. Recent developments in the silver economy have underscored the substantial demand for these products, yet their development is frequently impeded by the absence of holistic design frameworks that encompass system design, technology, business strategy, and emotional considerations. To bridge this gap, our study employs a standardized Grounded Theory methodology to analyze product data and customer reviews from e-commerce platforms, supplemented by insights from interviews with four leading product designers in this sector. This analysis led to the creation of the ‘Silver Model’ for gerontechnology product design. This model integrates essential design aspects across eight domains, offering a comprehensive framework that harmonizes technological capabilities with the expectations of elderly users. This research advances the theoretical foundations of gerontechnology and furnishes a pragmatic blueprint for enhancing product design in the silver market, significantly contributing to the advancement of age-friendly technology and promoting both social and economic sustainability.