Developing Digital Platforms to Help Older People Stay Physically and Socially Active Produced Through Codesign: Toolkit Production and Impact (Preprint)

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BACKGROUND Digital technologies have the potential to support physical, cognitive, and social activity among older adults, but many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lack the resources to conduct meaningful codesign with end-users. Toolkits derived from rigorous codesign processes may offer a scalable mechanism for translating end-user priorities into real-world product development. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to (1) engage older adults in an extensive codesign process to identify priorities for digital technologies that support physical activity and reminiscence, (2) translate these findings into a practical developer-facing toolkit, and (3) evaluate the toolkit’s perceived utility and influence among digital technology SMEs. METHODS 157 participants (120 older, 7 younger, and 30 staff) across 15 community and care settings in England and Scotland engaged in 106 technology interaction sessions, 22 evaluation focus groups and 10 codesign workshops involving more than 20 digital technologies. Thematic analysis and structured card-ranking tasks were used to derive end-user priorities. Preliminary toolkits were created and provided to 10 UK-based SMEs who received small grants to apply the toolkit to active development projects. Developer reports and follow-up interviews were analysed thematically to identify perceived impacts on design decisions, product adaptations, and business outcomes. RESULTS Codesign activities generated seven cross-cutting themes: motivation, content, barriers, design and inclusivity, suitability, acceptability, and motivations to use. These were organised into three toolkit sections: general design principles, online physical-activity platforms, and virtual reality. Developers reported that the toolkits enhanced understanding of older adults’ needs, validated design decisions, and inspired new features. Reported impacts included improved usability, expanded accessibility options, increased content variety, clearer instructional design, enhanced social components, and reduced operational costs. SMEs also reported business benefits, including strengthened cases for investment and increased product uptake. CONCLUSIONS Codesign-derived toolkits offer a scalable and cost-effective mechanism for translating older adults’ priorities into digital product development. SMEs perceived the toolkit as practical, relevant, and impactful for informing design choices. This approach complements, but does not replace, direct user involvement and may help accelerate inclusive digital-health innovation for ageing populations. CLINICALTRIAL n/a

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