With the global aging trend accelerating, enhancing the user experience of older adults in smart home systems has become crucial for improving their quality of life. Existing designs often fail to adequately address the psychological and emotional needs of elderly users. This study, grounded in the theory of positive user experience, employs both quantitative and qualitative methods to assess the needs and experiences of older adults with smart home systems. An innovative optimization framework is proposed to enhance the quality of life, social participation, and mental well-being of elderly users. The study consists of four stages: pre-experiment preparation, a smart home simulation experience, interviews, and data analysis. Participants completed nine tasks in a simulated environment, while the system recorded data on task completion time, success rates, and emotional responses. Post-simulation interviews provided additional insights. Results reveal that value recognition, emotional feedback, and community integration significantly influence elderly users' acceptance and long-term use intention. This study is the first to apply positive user experience theory in smart home design, offering valuable theoretical guidance for future product development and fostering the integration of technology with emotional care.
Bu et al. (2026) studied this question.