Cross-national user priorities for housing provision and accessibility — Findings from the European innovage project

Maria Haak, Björn Slaug, Frank Oswald, Steven M. Schmidt, Joseph M. Rimland, Signe Tomsone, Thomas Ladö, Torbjörn Svensson, Susanne Iwarsson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Citations (Scopus)
5 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

To develop an innovative information and communication technology (ICT) tool intended to help older people in their search for optimal housing solutions, a first step in the development process is to gain knowledge from the intended users. Thus the aim of this study was to deepen the knowledge about needs and expectations about housing options as expressed and prioritized by older people, people ageing with disabilities and professionals. A participatory design focus was adopted; 26 people with a range of functional limitations representing the user perspective and 15 professionals with a variety of backgrounds, participated in research circles that were conducted in four European countries. An additional 20 experts were invited as guests to the different research circle meetings. Three themes illustrating cross-national user priorities for housing provision and accessibility were identified: “Information barrier: accessible housing”, “Information barrier: housing adaptation benefits”, and “Cost barrier: housing adaptations”. In conclusion, early user involvement and identification of cross-national differences in priorities and housing options will strengthen the development of a user-friendly ICT tool that can empower older people and people with disabilities to be more active consumers regarding housing provision.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2670-2686
Number of pages17
JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume12
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Mar 2015

Keywords*

  • Accessibility
  • Ageing
  • Environment
  • Functional capacity
  • Housing
  • Innovation

Field of Science*

  • 3.3 Health sciences

Publication Type*

  • 1.1. Scientific article indexed in Web of Science and/or Scopus database

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