Date of Award
Spring 6-1-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Industrial Design
Department
Industrial Design
First Advisor
Khipra Nichols
Second Advisor
Hannah Chung
Third Advisor
Maureen Martinez
Abstract
The thesis “Active Play Motivation” investigates gentle physical play as a method to encourage body movement among older adults aged 80 to 90, who typically show less motivation for physical activity due to aging. Highlighting the impact of injury fears and physical limitations, this study underscores the importance of creating tailored gentle exercise solutions to make physical activity more accessible and enjoyable for this demographic. In this project, the design process uses a Senior- Centric Design approach, involving iterative prototyping and user testing with seniors, to develop indoor recreational equipment tailored to their needs. Incorporating elements from retro games familiar to this age group, the design seeks to boost interaction and physical activity. This strategy aims to produce indoor Abstract recreation equipment that not only meets the physical and safety needs of older adults but also leverages the enjoyment of play to motivate body movement, ultimately enhancing their well-being. My project demonstrates the effectiveness of incorporating playful elements to boost physical activity motivation among older adults. Positive feedback provided valuable insights, guiding the iterative refinement of the design towards senior-friendly exercise solutions. This work emphasizes the importance of engaging and accessible exercise in enhancing senior’s health and happiness, offering promising directions for future elder care and wellness research and product development.
Recommended Citation
SHIN, DONG YOON, "SWING! Active Play Motivation" (2024). Masters Theses. 1332.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/1332
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.