Tangible Topics: Designing Technology to Enrich the Social Interactions of Older Adults in Community-Based Programs

Community-based social programs play a vital role in helping independently-living older adults to maintain social connectedness. To investigate how technology can support these programs, we co-designed Tangible Topics, a tangible technology aimed at enhancing older adults’ social interactions during program sessions. Through a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach with a local community center, this research involved three PAR cycles: (1) a co-design workshop with staff and older adults, (2) iterative co-development of Tangible Topics; and (3) deployment in three program sessions to evaluate its impact. We found that Tangible Topics enriched group interactions by expanding conversation topics, supporting broader participation, and fostering group bonding. It also made conversations more relatable and encouraged a sense of control and shared ownership. Participants suggested improvements and envisioned future applications in social, therapeutic, and educational settings. We discuss design considerations for technologies to create balanced, inclusive, and empowering social program experiences.