A Co-design Approach for Developing and Implementing Smart Health Technologies and Services

In this chapter we demonstrate how co-design can generate the knowledge needed to develop smart technologies and services in participatory ways. Even though co-design has many benefits and has been successfully used in an array of domains, it is argued that easy to apply methods are needed to guide the co-design process. One useful method for this purpose is Motivational Modelling which importantly, does not limit any aspect of participation and gives all stakeholders a strong voice in the design outcome. We report on two case studies using Motivational Modelling in the co-design process to create solutions for health and wellbeing with a focus on older adults. We argue that through the shared goal definition with attention to users’ emotions, we better understand the demands on smart solutions to create benefits for older adults and other stakeholders in complex and individual everyday contexts and hence increase acceptance and adoption.