Behaviours: older adults' behavioural strategies in the adoption of new technology-based products: the effects of ageing and the promising application of smart materials for the design of smart products

In a world that is ageing fast technology can really make a difference to keep people independent, healthy and socially connected. While the physical and sensorial signs of ageing have to some extent been considered in the design of technology for older people, much work is still needed to understand the impact of cognitive and emotional changes in the adoption, deferral or rejection of technology devices. Understanding the behavioural strategies of older people when dealing with technology-based products can help designers as well as marketers to reconsider product attributes and market communication, respectively. A set of smart computational materials suggests novel application opportunities for the design of more immediate and intuitive technology products.