Transdisciplinary design research of Homebound Seniors
Authors: Huei Chou Wen , Hung Chung-wen , Ko Ya-ling 
Published: July 2023

According to the World Population Prospects report released by the
United Nations, the proportion of individuals aged 65 and above is expected
to increase from 9% in 2019 to 16% between 2019 and 2050. This trend
indicates a rapid increase in the elderly population, which poses
significant social development challenges. Maintaining the health of the
elderly is essential for their continued ability to contribute to their
families and communities. The complex effects of aging, such as
physiological degradation, memory loss, and diminished physical
coordination, can significantly impact daily life, making it crucial to find
ways to delay aging and enhance the quality of life of the elderly.
Achieving this goal requires transdisciplinary collaboration among
professionals.This design research project involved a transdisciplinary team
comprising geriatric occupational therapy, electrical engineering, and
digital design professionals who proposed a design solution for solitary
older adults. The proposed solution is a multi-player drumming interactive
device designed for home use, integrating virtual and physical elements with
low technological burden on users. This interactive device combines various
elements, including music therapy, interactive games, upper limb exercises,
cognitive training, and social connection, among others.Transdisciplinary
collaboration among professionals is crucial in addressing complex issues
that require diverse perspectives and expertise. The collaboration between
professionals in geriatric occupational therapy, electrical engineering, and
digital design can lead to more comprehensive and effective solutions.
However, challenges associated with such collaborations include integrating
diverse knowledge systems, aligning different work logics, and incorporating
different problem-solving approaches. The potential benefits of
transdisciplinary collaboration include more innovative problem-solving and
consideration of the needs and preferences of aging populations.In this
study, digital designers studied game-based learning theories for older
adults, interface design requirements, and their habits of using online
courses. They collaborated with geriatric occupational therapists to
investigate the interactive user needs and drumming course planning for
older adults, while electrical engineers integrated the virtual and real
operating interface to reduce the elderly's learning burden. The system
enabled older adults to play online games with other players at home through
a simple drumming game using Unity and Bluetooth connection technology. This
not only helped to prevent muscle atrophy but also facilitated remote
communication with other players.Experimental testing of the proposed design
showed its suitability for future applications in the field of elderly
entertainment. The study examined the effects of drumming on the upper limb
muscles, cognition, and emotions of older adults, as well as the ease of use
of the overall system structure for the elderly. Despite communication
barriers due to the use of technical language and jargon specific to each
profession and the need for team members to develop a mutual understanding
of each other's work logic and problem-solving approaches, transdisciplinary
collaboration offers a promising approach to addressing complex issues in
geriatric occupational therapy, electrical engineering, and digital design.