Abstract
Aging isn’t just about others—it’s about all of us. Every product, service, and space we design today will shape the world we grow old in tomorrow. Yet, design often overlooks older adults, reinforcing biases that leave people out. This workshop is an invitation to rethink how we design for aging, not as a limitation, but as an opportunity to create inclusive, beautiful, and functional experiences for everyone. Through hands-on exercises, we will challenge age-related biases, explore new ways of thinking about design, and envision the future of aging. Participants will uncover barriers older adults face, brainstorm innovative solutions, and test their ideas against real-world needs. Through guided activities, role-playing, and rapid prototyping, we will step into the shoes of our future selves and design with empathy, insight, and intention. At the end of the workshop, participants will receive a workshop booklet to bring back to their institutions, providing a structured guide for continuing these conversations. They will also gain access to the Design for Aging Resource website, a comprehensive repository of tools, literature, and methodologies to support inclusive design. This workshop is for designers and non-designers alike. No matter your background, this is your chance to reshape the way we think about aging—because if we’re lucky, we’ll all experience it someday.
Presenters
Kimberly MitchellAssistant Professor, School of Design, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Bias, Aging, Design, Futures thinking, Accessibility, Inclusive
