GenerAction - Masterthesis
Zezhong Wang (Product Designer)
University of Applied Science HfG Schwäbisch Gmünd
2023 Summersemester - 3. Semester Master
Documentation Manager, Graphics, UI/UX-Design, Organisation & Contacts
GenerAction is a comprehensive service system that aims to promote intergenerational exchange and mutual support by creating an environment for meeting and getting to know each other. Through the processes of meeting, getting to know and supporting each other, it aims to strengthen the participatory capacity of seniors and stimulate the motivations of young people to participate.
In this system, people can connect with each other, build networks within society and choose different activities depending on their areas of interest. Common interests and complementary experiences make it possible to overcome communication barriers, build emotional bonds, and create trust as a basis for sharing resources.
The system is composed of five conceptual parts:
1. Communication strategy: By creating motivation among people from different generations and providing entry tools, participation is facilitated.
2. Encounter table: The meeting table brings participants together to promote the exchange of common interests and complementary experiences between generations.
3. App: The app acts as an information platform that allows participants to participate in activities and create hobby groups based on their needs, as well as enabling the exchange of services.
4. Chip: A physical data terminal that serves as an analog complement to the App and acts as a carrier of personal data. It has a symbolic value and is used to identify the personality.
5. Service bank: The service bank is a theoretical model for the exchange of services between participants.
The communication strategy of GenerAction aims to provide access to information for seniors and to promote youth participation, using different communication channels, both digital and urban, to reach the youth. We use digital platforms such as Facebook and WG-Gesucht as well as the shops in a shopping center to reach specific target groups such as students and young mothers. At the same time, we use traditional communication channels for seniors, such as newspapers, letters and special meeting places for seniors. In addition, we integrate information portals from organizations such as the Seniors' Network or Caritas to build trust with our target group.
Our marketing content is divided into two categories: Towards motivation and Away from motivation. In the case of young people, it is usually easier to awaken their Away-from-motivation and motivate them to tackle their problems. In the case of seniors, we put more emphasis on Towards-motivation to make them aware of the importance of intergenerational support for an enriched life.
The second part of GenerAction is the Encounter Table, whose main aim is for people of different generations to get to know each other after the first encounter through the table, to share different perspectives and experiences, and to provide an environment for intergenerational support.
By working with local businesses, GenerAction is able to set up their own meeting tables in the businesses or use existing tables to allow for intergenerational participation. Each table is equipped with a "get-to-know-you" kit to ensure that participants at the table naturally start talking to each other.
The get-to-know-you kit is basically a cooperative and winning social game. Players must share resources and support each other to enhance the positive image of the community. They achieve victory by continually inviting new residents to join the game. Each participant has their own character card with special characteristics, interests, needs and unforeseen events. As the game progresses, people gradually learn about the different perspectives of the different generations. The get-to-know card allow them to get to know the other participants better. The action cards allow them to help each other and get to know GenerAction better.
Table Leaders are responsible for introducing new participants and supporting their integration through briefings. They also play an important role in organizing official GenerAction events. Table Leaders are mainly active participants, usually seniors.
The digital part was something where my skills came into play. It was necessary to display all the important information to the user when he needs it most. Also a commitment to stay tuned. After meeting and getting to know each other, participants can use this platform to organize activities together. Alternatively, they can choose other activities based on their interests and return to the meeting table to meet new people. This strengthens the bond of participation. More importantly, users can receive service exchange information through this platform.
The main features are:
Onboarding: users upload their interests and needs.
Matching: the system recommends users to participate in
interesting activities or exchange services in a targeted way.
Discovery: Users can search or filter for activities or services.
Organize: Users can initiate activities or request or offer services.
The fourth part of GenerAction is the chip. To further optimize the user experience for seniors, we reduced and decoupled the functions of the app to develop the concept of the chip. The chip can be seen as the analog counterpart of the app. Its main purpose is to quickly provide the user with suggestions and information or to accept voice commands. It is modular and can be attached to a variety of accessories such as rings, earrings, necklaces, watches, or brooches.
The chip has no database of its own. Instead, it is designed to be an extension of the app and must be connected to the app's smart voice assistant, GAGA, to perform the above functions.
In addition to these functions, the chip also includes
Emergency call in case of emergency, Personal data storage, Service point exchange.
The final part of GenerAction is the Service Bank. Its main function is to support the exchange of services and resources. Suppliers and demanders publish relevant information in the GenerAction application, and GenerAction mediates based on the match between users, for example, in terms of personality, time, distance, and type of service.
Demanders pay the supplier the appropriate number of service points from their service bank account based on the duration of the service. In the future, the provider can also receive services by paying service points. This will enable the temporal transaction, economic cycle and mutual support of services, and ensure the circulation of service points. This creates a service bank operating model that allows service points to be "deposited" and "withdrawn." In addition to participants, many public agencies or organizations, such as nursing homes or volunteer organizations, could also participate through service banks for the exchange of services.
GenerAction not only meets the social and basic needs of seniors, but also helps improve their mental and physical condition. By participating in GenerAction, seniors can reduce their dependence on medical and care resources and extend their healthy lifespan. At the same time, they have the opportunity to share their surplus time and material resources with young people. In doing so, they can help them cope with time and financial burdens and provide them with new opportunities for learning and growth.
Partnering with a variety of organizations and businesses supports GenerAction's rapid expansion and encourages a two-way flow of clients and participants. These collaborations are helping to create a new culture of intergenerational exchange. Over time, GenerAction could make a significant contribution to fostering this culture.
