Developing smart technology is a process of trial and error. If you’re not afraid to make mistakes, you can learn a lot on the way. You simply learn as you go along. So, what really counts in the end is experience. What lessons did the interviewees learn? Below you will find a choice selection.
Lesson: learn from scientists and teach them something too
‘You can learn an awful lot from each other in collaborative projects. For example, we’ve learned about the view on innovation of universities. It is interesting to discover that you can also approach a practical problem in a scientific manner. Subsequently, it’s up to us to convert that into a concrete application. Because universities are less strongly focused on doing that.’
Maarten Coolen, manager information, ICT and innovation at Hoogstaete
Lesson: make things fun and keep them fun
‘Always keep things fun. “Fun” not only works well for the seniors you’re developing a solution for – they’ll embrace it if it’s fun to use - but your team also remains enthusiastic if it is fun to contribute to the development.’
Annemarie Johannes, co-founder Anne4Care
Lesson: not everybody likes talking to an avatar
‘The tool Anne is not for everyone. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. Some people really don’t like talking to an avatar. It frightens them.’
Annemarie Johannes, co-founder Anne4Care
Lesson: participate in coaching and supervision
‘The business side of technology development was something new for me. I learned a lot from coaching trajectories such as AAL2Business. They help you discover the commercial potential of an innovation.’
Martijn Vastenburg, founder ConnectedCare
Lesson: listen to what people come up against in daily life
‘New ideas arise if you know how to establish new links; if you make a fresh combination between a problem and possible solutions. It’s important to keep listening to what people come up against in everyday situations. And to stay informed about the latest technical possibilities. The best ideas are often surprisingly simple. Afterwards, you sometimes wonder why on earth you didn’t think of it before.’
Martijn Vastenburg, founder ConnectedCare
Lesson: adding value is a top priority
‘Technology has no value in and of itself. Technology must add value to people’s life.’
Henk Herman Nap, researcher and digital care specialist at Vilans
Lesson: broad support for innovation
‘Besides taking stock of wishes and needs of seniors, it is vital to work on awareness within the organisation. Actively involve directors, management and professionals in the process. An innovation can only be realised if all stakeholders in an organisation really want it, especially the professionals that are supposed to useit. Therefore you need to build up broad support for your innovation right from the start.’
Henk Herman Nap, researcher and digital care specialist at Vilans
Lesson: attractive technology
‘Ageing does not have a good image. Nobody wants to become grey and wrinkled. So if you want to make something for older people, it is best to design it in such a way that it’s attractive for both young and old.’
Jan Brinkers, policy adviser advocacy KBO-PCOB Senior organisation
Lesson: work in small groups
‘You learn most in small groups. Quality should always prevail over quantity if you want proper feedback from seniors. It’s better to fire one well-aimed shot than to fire a random buckshot.’
Nora Ramadani, project leader at KBO-PCOB