Promoting Virtual Social Interaction with Older People

This paper charts the development of a software platform and applications designed specifically for older people to promote communication and sociability. Through this we attempt to help alleviate isolation or loneliness by providing appropriate informal communication and virtual interaction. The software has been developed using a person-centred design approach that specifically favours simplicity and flexibility of use over functionality and power. Early participation from the older people was in the form of adapted cultural probes [8]. As the design progressed participation took the form of iterative criticism of the design, and informal user tests with older people. The system allows older people to easily discover who else is currently using the system, and therefore potentially available to chat with, interact with or play games with. The games also allow voice chat so players can socialise while playing. The application of this software has the possible use of encouraging intergenerational communication.