The interviewees have learned a lot while developing technological solutions for seniors. They’re not afraid to make mistakes, because mistakes offer an opportunity to learn something new. On this this page, you will find a selection of useful tips for everybody who wants to get started.
Tip: build upon experiences
‘Even if something is not successful, it can still teach you a lot. After all, there are always aspects that do prove successful. Develop those further. And include both the successes and the failures to recalibrate your strategy.’
Roy Beumers, manager innovation & funding at care organisation Zuyderland
Tip: Organise one-day ‘internships’ for project partners
‘Allow the researchers from the university and technical professionals to come and participate for a day in a care organisation. A one-day ‘internship’, as it were. That will give them the chance to see a world that is perhaps entirely different from what they could have imagined. This is a great way of bringing theory and practice together.’
Maarten Coolen, manager information, ICT and innovation at Zuyderland Hoogstaete
Tip: involve the target group
‘Immerse yourself in the target group, and involve them. That is vitally important. Start with the people and not the technology. And ask seniors what they think is important.’
Annemarie Johannes, co-founder Anne4Care
Tip: take ethical aspects into account
‘Keep on asking yourself whether you really need everything that technology can provide. After all, you are getting intimately involved in people’s lives. Watching the short film Uninvited Guests is a good way to reflect on this.’
Martijn Vastenburg, founder ConnectedCare
Tip: Dare to fail
‘Don’t be afraid to fail. Even if you do not get as far as a product, the outcomes of your project can still be used. All of the knowledge you built up is not suddenly lost. Use those experiences to set out on a new path.’
Martijn Vastenburg, founder ConnectedCare
Tip: underpin the added value
‘Carry out targeted evaluations to underpin the value of your solution. That will convince more care organisations to go on board.’
Henk Herman Nap, researcher and digital care specialist at Vilans
Tip: tell a story
‘Research is always about counting ánd about storytelling. So make sure you don’t just collect quantitative data, but qualitative data too. There needs to be a story behind your solution.’
Henk Herman Nap, researcher and digital care specialist at Vilans
Tip: Guide older people properly
‘Do not think that technology is not for older people. If you guide them well and involve their nearest and dearest, then many seniors do see the added value of a digital solution.’
Nora Ramadani, project leader at KBO-PCOB
Tip: be realistic about the possibilities
‘Be honest about what users can expect in the development stage of a technological solution. A prototype is not a fully functioning product.’
Jan Brinkers, policy adviser advocacy at seniors’ organisation KBO-PCOB