Life-based design methodology for gerontechnology

The main goal of Life-Based Design (LBD) is to replace technical intuitions about future information society with well-grounded social, philosophical, psychological and humanistic facts. LBD model consists of four partially iteratively overlapping processes. It begins with the analysis of a form of life, proceeds with concept design and fit-for-life design, and ends by clarifying the way new technologies can be incorporated as working innovations to life. LBD offers a possibility to seriously consider technology for older adults from the point of view of successful information society. In addition to physical usage environments it takes into account also the impact of users' psychological and social environments. Also the issues of technology ethics are increasingly important here. Instead of relying only on natural sciences, which are not really interested in user values and goodness of life, LBD offers a more holistic approach to design.