The European Commission has identified active and healthy ageing as a major societal challenge common to all European countries, and an area which presents considerable potential for Europe to lead the world in providing innovative responses to this challenge.
The project focuses on the development of a 20 ECTS design study module “Service Design for Wellness and Healthy Ageing” that integrates design competences with wellness and healthy ageing competences. In doing so, the project seeks to promote and support a trans-disciplinary approach and innovative pedagogies in higher education level whilst allowing teachers to develop new ways of learning and teaching.
Simultaneously, it aims to increase design students’ understanding of wellness and healthy ageing and increase empathy towards the 50+ age group. Thus, enhancing age-friendly and inclusive design thinking that provides better targeted services and solutions for improving health and wellbeing of the aging population.
Objectives of the project are to:
- Find out the specific needs and preferences of the 50+ age group in the field of wellness and healthy lifestyle;
- Assess best practice of service design and wellness teaching in each partner country;
- Develop, pilot, and implement an online study module (4 courses, in English) in 'service design for wellness and healthy ageing' with a focus on the 50+ age group;
- Develop, pilot, and implement learning materials for students and teaching method guidelines for teachers; and
- Carry out an intensive pilot course for students and teachers to get feedback for the developed study module and improve it further.
The project is conducted by HH’s Service Experience Laboratory LAB8.
