MAKING HEALTHWEAR SERVICES DESIRABLE FOR OLDER ADULTS BY INTEGRATING A PEER MENTOR MODEL

Abstract

This research examined advantages and limitations of current healthwear, and aimed to figure out whether healthwear service would become desirable for older adults by integrating a peer mentor model. In research part I, older adults' health management contexts and behavior differences were identified using a semi-structured interview, envisioning the interaction of personas. A service integration framework with six service scenarios and four design concepts was then proposed by empathy map. Next in research Part II, the first service prototypes developed by applying the service integration framework and the second prototype without integrating a peer mentor model was used for an A-B test through a comprehensive questionnaire. Finally, this research confirmed an integrated peer mentor model could make the healthwear service from too task-oriented to desirable by improving pragmatic and hedonic quality. Furthermore, four benefits and one limitation of the service integration were summarized and further discussed.