Integration of Gerontechnology and Management: Practical Exploration of Communication and Optimisation in Product Design
Lingnan University (Lingnan)'s Jockey Club Gerontechnology and Smart Ageing in Place Project (GTSA), in collaboration with HKSTP and Park Company ThingX, recently held a “Gerontech Trial Use Activity" on 9 September 2024. This initiative aimed to introduce the latest technological products, such as fall detection systems and smart necklace assistive tools, to Lingnan gerontech ambassadors. The goal was to design more user-friendly gerontechnology through interactive exchanges. Additionally, the GTSA team invited students from the Master of Science in Health Analytics and Management (HAM) program to participate, offering them a chance to understand the integration of AI data technology with technological development and to provoke deeper thinking about gerontechnology in an ageing society.
During the event, Miss Zhang Zhiyu, a HAM student, shared her experience: "This was my first real encounter with the process from product formation to collecting user feedback for continuous improvement. Each elderly participant (Lingnan gerontech ambassador) raised their own questions and suggestions for improvement regarding the product. The tech company's staff patiently responded and recorded all the comments, creating a strong interactive communication environment. I believe that with the joint efforts of designers and users, this gerontechnology product will gradually be refined and serve more elderly groups in the near future, helping them achieve aging in place and better ensuring their safety."
Similarly, Mr Luo Wenzhen, another student, questioned how to continuously understand user needs through iterative upgrades of gerontechnology products. He remarked, "This activity provided me with answers! The various opinions raised by the Lingnan gerontech ambassadors are very helpful for gerontechnology companies in further refining product functions and services. The gerontech trial use activity is an excellent approach for the sustainable development of gerontechnology!"
The GTSA team believes that actively encouraging HAM students to engage with innovative gerontechnology products and technologies is crucial. This process enhances students' professional abilities and broadens their thinking, helping them build a skill set that combines theory with practice. These skills will be invaluable in future work related to health data analysis and management, as well as gerontechnology development.
