Aims:
Older adults face barriers to participation in public play due to frailty, mobility impairment, cognitive change, and other concerns. This study examines an applied design research approach used to design and fabricate public games with considerations for elderly population.
Methods:
An applied design research was conducted by an interdisciplinary research team responsible for the conception, prototyping, and fabrication of nine public games. A structured set of design requirements were developed and applied to maintain consistency of intent, accessibility, and workmanship across the suite. The steps included: defining a shared activity principle suitable for two users of different ages; translating this into simple game mechanics; testing proportions and iterative prototyping; and refining designs for durability, risk management, and unsupervised public use.
Results:
The project produced nine fabricated public games and a repeatable design framework. It included the importance of access relating to interaction zones to support play of participants of varying heights and reach, generous circulation for mobility aids, large and low-resistance controls, simplified game logic with high visual contrast, and interaction designs without time pressure or fine motor precision. Security, anti-tamper features, and conservative risk thresholds were embedded to support public use. Site layout considerations addressed fatigue, lighting, falls risk, and proximity to amenities.
Conclusions:
A structured applied design approach can embed considerations for ageing population into public games without segregating by age or function. It supports social connection, confidence, and incidental physical activity for older adults and families.