Integrating Cooperative Design and Innovative Technology to Create Assistive Products for Older Adults

With a focus on increasing quality of life and independence for older adults, the MATUROLIFE project aims to utilise smart textiles in the development of desirable assistive products (specifically footwear, clothing and furniture). The project integrates designers, with researchers and technologists from a range of disciplines in a multidisciplinary team to facilitate design-driven innovation. This paper will outline the approach taken to building empathy and understanding with the wants, needs and requirements of the older adult population in Europe and thus bring a human-centric focus to the MATUROLIFE project. Collaboration with end-users and stakeholders as well as between partners during the co-creation process is central to the ongoing research and development approach.