Abstract
The purpose of this study is to establish a new effective process of developing assistive products. In this process, the psychological effects caused by using an assistive product are carefully examined before forming the concept of a new assistive product. It is assumed that the emotional conflicts which the older persons could show even after they chose the appropriate assistive devices suggest their needs. To clarify and analyze their psychological situation, the qualitative research approach was employed. Using this approach, the psychological model of older persons which can explain their emotional conflicts was established. This development process is based on the model. In product design using the process, the complicated psychological situations are taken into account at the stage of conceptual design. Finally the example that a mobility aid is developed using the process is introduced.
