Designing Intergenerational Media Experiences: A Participatory Design Approach

The advent of new technologies and platforms (e.g. hand-held displays, the Internet) challenge the traditional ways in which we consume media content. The differences in the technological literacy of young children (digital natives) and elderly adults, can deny them opportunities to bond over shared media experiences. However, if designed thoughtfully, novel media experiences can bridge this intergenerational gap. We provide a scenario where connected toys encourage collaborative learning, and create a bonding experience between a grandchild and their grandparent. Furthermore, we propose a set of methods to be used in participatory design for the creation of such experiences.