The NYTimes ran an article very relevant to design.
According to the article, The Macklin Intergenerational Institute developed a program called Xtreme Aging as a sensitivity training program for schools, churches, workplaces and other groups that have contact with the elderly.
Increasingly, these types of simulation programs are going to be important for designers to gain empathy for the users they’re trying to design for.
When I read about the program, I loved how simple it was to simulate losing certain faculties — as well as having to let go of material and life’s most important (immaterial) possessions. Anyone anywhere can recreate this same type of simulation, or other simulations to give people a sense of what it would be like.
I especially love that this program fosters sensitivity among the non-designing masses. As more and more folks are aging into retirement, it gives me solace to think that people are receiving training to be more sensitive to those around them– a group that includes our parents and grandparents.
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