Enhancing the wellbeing of older adults through IoT design with music

Abstract

This thesis aims to explore how to enable older adults access and enjoyment of music easily and independently through the use of IoT design, in order to reduce their depression and to maintain their well-being. An easy-to-use music IoT design concept was created in order to enhance the older adults autonomy in selecting and enjoying music. The interfaces of the music application were designed with the aim of making meaningful interaction and communication with the users and the concept of the music device. First, an interview was conducted to gather data. Analysation of the interview has defined the target user groups and their needs. Next, based on the user needs, multiple versions prototypes of a music application were created to investigate and redefine the research questions. Then, some suggestions for designing ease-of-use music application interfaces for elders were given through the methods of user-centered design, prototype design, heuristic evaluation, and usability testing. Finally, some guidelines about music application interface design for older adults were suggested. Overall, this study gives insight into what kind of IoT design with music is suitable for older adults: (1) letting older adults select and listen to music with fewer difficulties and errors, (2) detecting older adults' music preferences and giving related music recommendations, (3) easy for their caregivers making music contributions and offering help to the older adults.