# Connecting the Elderly Using VR: A Novel Art-Driven Methodology
## 3 Materials and Methods
### Methods and Tools  
#### 3.4.1 Requirements of Focus Groups and Interviews  
During the phase of gathering user requirements, our goal was to gain a deeper understanding of the expectations, technical specifications, and potential usage of the virtual village by elderly individuals. To achieve this, we organized two focus group discussions involving a total of 27 participants. We formed two separate discussion groups, with each session lasting for two hours. These discussions allowed us to obtain valuable insights regarding the elderly's perspectives on loneliness, their experiences within their own homes, and the various factors that could be improved to enhance their well-being. To further delve into the research on user requirements, we conducted interviews using the Zoom ([[https://zoom.us/](https://zoom.us/)]([https://zoom.us/](https://zoom.us/)), accessed on 28 February 2024) platform. Through these virtual meetings, we addressed the same topics as in the focus groups but on an individual basis with senior participants. This approach provided a more comfortable environment for the elderly to express their thoughts and feelings about art, while enabling researchers to gather more pertinent data.  
The examination of user requirements carried out centered on the well-being of older adults and how the findings of this study could contribute to its enhancement. The addressed societal needs were primarily associated with fostering social interaction, alleviating loneliness, and promoting the recollection of positive memories. By collecting data through focus groups and interviews, the research team comprising engineers, architects, and artists gained insights that led to the conclusion that stimulating the memory and social connections of older adults was of significant importance.  
More specifically, subjects' expectations regarding the VR platform were gathered during an online workshop organized on Zoom. Seniors had heterogeneous profiles, different attitudes to social media, and various expectations. Nevertheless, all of them were open to a new experience. In terms of user requirements for the platform, we can underline the following:  
* There were no specific preferences regarding platform device or design. The general demand was to keep the platform environment \"warm, cogy and welcoming\".  
Figure 3: Fusion component.  
* Senior users would like to be able to navigate freely and visit different spaces (rooms).
* Content format should not be restricted. They should be able to share photos, videos, texts, and music either produced by them or selected by them. They should also be able to share just their impressions on something (an exhibit, a book, etc.).
* The platform should be interactive. Seniors gave the example of the application \"Meet up\" ([[https://www.meetup.com/](https://www.meetup.com/)]([https://www.meetup.com/](https://www.meetup.com/)), accessed on 28 February 2024) where you build online groups and host in-person and virtual events for people sharing the same interest. We could imagine meeting up in different thematic rooms with decorations matching the general theme.
* Some of the subjects appreciated the idea of having an avatar and a personal identity in the platform, for instance, one subject expressed the will to be \"the couch historian\" or another one \"the garden hiker\". Their online identity would be connected to their hobbies and real identities.
* The subjects considered that the online space did not allow for expressing nuanced emotions such as in face-to-face and \"live\" encounters. Emojis could help, but online communication is not subtle enough. Talking, seeing people face-to-face, or using video chat allow users to share more emotions and capture more nuances.
* The subjects were more reluctant in producing and sharing personal content, but this could be addressed via the platform's interactivity and restricted access, which would need an adhesion to the platform community and group.