Lenses
I chose these lenses to identify extremes under. They applied the most to what I had observed and my interest area of technology for people in their 70's.
- Attitude toward Technology
- Physical Health
- Social Engagement
Identifying Extremes
Extremes Identified
Least Active
The lonely widow, sitting alone at home surrounded by memories of their lost one.
Sickly person who needs full time at-home care and doesn't get visitors.
Homeless person without a social group, lost friendships, and filled with shame.
Relocated elderly who had to move states to live with their kids and have no friends or community connections.
The lonely widow, sitting alone at home surrounded by memories of their lost one.
Sickly person who needs full time at-home care and doesn't get visitors.
Homeless person without a social group, lost friendships, and filled with shame.
Relocated elderly who had to move states to live with their kids and have no friends or community connections.
Most Active
Lead Coordinator who is rallying around social causes, hosting gatherings, always on their phone texting & calling people.
Back to School Grad Student, returning to finish their PhD, meets other students, gets research assistants and goes to conferences.
Super-Grandma who is often baby-sitting, is always cooking and is ready to welcome family into her home any time, any day.
Vacationers Cruise trip couple who love adventuring and sharing experiences with new people.
Lead Coordinator who is rallying around social causes, hosting gatherings, always on their phone texting & calling people.
Back to School Grad Student, returning to finish their PhD, meets other students, gets research assistants and goes to conferences.
Super-Grandma who is often baby-sitting, is always cooking and is ready to welcome family into her home any time, any day.
Vacationers Cruise trip couple who love adventuring and sharing experiences with new people.
Chosen Extreme for More Insights
I've chosen to focus in on the lead coordinator for looking at the extremely social and physically active.
Lead coordinator who is rallying around social causes, hosting gatherings, always on their phone texting & calling people.
- What are their goals, at this point in their life?
- Why do they value coordinating events?
- For a recent or large coordination effort - understand what it was like to keep in touch with so many people.
- What do they do for fun, when they're wanting to be around other people?
- Learn about the people they enjoy hanging out with. Are they a part of your volunteer group? What do they value about their friendships?
- How much time do they spend coordinating? Is it a full time job?
- How do they spend your free time?
- How do they stay in touch with friends?
- Are they using any technology to connect with people?
These exercises helped me get creative and excited. It was more inspiring than thinking of 'average' or 'common' examples. It would be interesting to stretch things even further, through different lenses.