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options useful to the researcher
” (Park and Schwarz 2000). The most suc-
cessful techniques of engagement were workshops in which devices were
passed around, enabling people to experiment with them and to make
comments on their use. These sessions frequently changed the older peo-
ple's perceptions about the products to much more positive outlooks.
Based on the data collected in the project, researchers developed guide-
lines and advice to industry on what to consider in designing ICTs for
older people. These findings and the guideline tools were disseminated at
two workshops held for representatives from Scottish industry. Participants
who attended these workshops were more likely than respondents from
industry as a whole to say that they considered older people in design.
Despite this, however, these participants were generally not aware of the
diversity of the over 60 age group. The most effective tool to communicate
with industry regarding the requirements of older people was found to be
video recordings of technology use by older people. For example, one rep-
resentative from a mobile phone company borrowed a video presented at
the workshop which showed an older lady who had had a stroke talking
about using mobile phones and computers. The video was distributed
throughout senior management in the mobile phone company to create
wider awareness of the issues.
5.3.2 The Surrey 50+ Website - UK
As part of the UK Government's Local e-Democracy programme, Surrey
County Council undertook a pilot project to engage older people. A pri-
mary aim of the project was to create a website targeted at people over 50,
which would enable the active engagement of older people in developing
public services and support better government for older people. A further
objective was to promote the use of ICTs amongst the over-50s through
online participation and opportunities for learning about technology. The
project ran for six months from September 2004 to March 2005. A local
councilor took on the role of champion of the project (Surrey 50+ n.d.).
Participation in developing the website was sought from older members
of the local community. Other relevant stakeholders such as Age Concern
and Housing Associations were also involved. To publicize the project and
encourage participation, letters were sent to the 1000 members of the exist-
ing 'Over 50' network, presentations were made to local councilors, and
advertisements placed on key websites, in local papers and other publica-
tions. Eight training sessions were then held in local libraries.
The technology used for the project was an open source content man-
agement package called APLAWS, which had been designed specifically
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