Geezers, turbines, fantasy personas: making the everyday into the future

ABSTRACT

This paper describes how a project to challenge digital exclusion resulted in GeezerPower: an artwork that is both a statement about reusable technologies and about older people's continuing interest in the world of the future. We use the story of its production to illustrate and reflect on new methods for engaging people in decisions about the design of technology. And we explore how creative practice informed the design of an intervention workshop inspired by performance art and an exhibition of artists collaborating with older people. We conclude with some comments on marginalization, engagement and envisioning futures.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.0 GENERAL

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors

Keywords:
collaboration, design, digital networks, intervention workshops, marginalization, performance art