Open Access Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
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Simple Steps For Successful Ageing

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thesis
posted on 2021-12-07, 12:11 authored by Lim, Yu Han Geline

This was a self-directed project inspired by personal concerns of ageing family members attempting to access high spaces at home, set in a wider context of a country, New Zealand, which has a rapidly ageing population. This is a research report on developing and commercialising innovations to enable safety and independence for ageing consumers, with a specific focus on safer access to high places at home. In essence, the purpose of the project was to identify a product concept or concepts based on consumer needs and preferences, which could be realistically developed and commercialised, in the context of the New Zealand market. Due to time and resource constraints, the scope of the research was focused on identifying potential commercially viable opportunities and setting the foundation for future business development after the thesis, and did not aim to produce any physical product prototypes for testing. To embark on this project was important as it sought to recognise needs desired by seniors that may have been neglected and to advocate a more inclusive design in home tools.  The methodology employed was based on social constructionism, underpinned by grounded theory, and thus, was mainly qualitative in the form of semi-structured interviews. However, some minor quantitative components were included such as a final online survey consisting of closed questions. The research design was also influenced by the Business Canvas Model framework, in which theories on ageing and concepts from Consumer Behaviour and business strategy were integrated. 40 face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives from different stakeholder categories. A final online survey was administered with 21 responses from the initial 40 participants. All research data were then further analysed based on the Business Model Canvas framework to assess potential innovation and commercialisation opportunities in New Zealand.  The key findings were that an improved step ladder offered as a modular system where additional features could be added on was desired. The research highlighted the importance of developing a collaborative business model focusing on co-creating solutions for older consumers, with consumers. A step ladder concept titled Simple Steps and a new brand called HOMFI (Home Objects Made for Independence) was proposed. More research should be conducted with a larger group of participants to obtain a stronger quantifiable validations for a business case before actual resource investments. More developmental work has to be done, such as developing a functioning product prototype to be tested. A major implication for this project is the need to develop tools with the needs of older people in mind. This project could also set the foundation for potential future research in a global context, possibly enabling a similar study to be replicated in another country for the purpose of pursuing a global business strategy.

History

Copyright Date

2019-01-01

Date of Award

2019-01-01

Publisher

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Rights License

Author Retains Copyright

Degree Discipline

Innovation and Commercialisation

Degree Grantor

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Degree Level

Masters

Degree Name

Master of Innovation and Commercialisation

ANZSRC Type Of Activity code

2 STRATEGIC BASIC RESEARCH

Victoria University of Wellington Item Type

Awarded Research Masters Thesis

Language

en_NZ

Alternative Title

A project report on: Innovation and commercialisation opportunities related to enabling safe and independent access to high places at home for older consumers

Victoria University of Wellington School

School of Chemical and Physical Sciences

Advisors

Davey, Judith; Stevens, Matt; Douche, Jenny