*Editor’s note: The number of global Hallyu (Korean Wave) fans is approaching approximately 225 million, according to the 2024 report by the Korea Foundation. The surge in fans marks the dawn of the "Digital Silk Road" era, where communication transcends the limitations of time and space, enabling real-time interaction across the globe. Truly, we are in the era of "Hallyu 4.0."

 

Suk Soo-sun's Design Management Story: Designing Services for Multicultural Families

 

Contributed by Suk Soo-sun (professor at Yonsei Graduate School of Communication & Arts)

 

 

 

Senior-Friendly Design for the Aging Population

 

As society enters an era of aging, there is an urgent need for service design strategies tailored to senior populations. Modern society, with its advanced medical industry and benefits from civilization, has led to increased life expectancy, resulting in a global trend toward population aging. In South Korea, the number of people aged 65 and above is expected to surpass 10 million by July 2024, accounting for 19.5% of the total population.

 

According to the UN, when the proportion of the population aged 65 and above exceeds 20%, it is classified as a "super-aged society." In 2025, South Korea’s elderly population is projected to reach 20.6%, making it one of the fastest-growing countries in both economic development and population aging among OECD member states.

 

▲ According to the recent report Pensions at a Glance 2023 released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the income poverty rate among the elderly population aged 66 and older in South Korea stood at 40.4% as of 2020. This rate is nearly three times higher than the OECD average of 14.2%, making it the highest among member countries. (Yonhap)

 

Despite the rapid aging of the population, business strategies for various services and products for the senior population are still lacking. Seniors in an aging society face issues such as loneliness, loss of roles, poverty, and illness, leading to a loss of self-confidence and gradual social isolation. With the surge in the elderly population requiring social protection and economic support, problems such as increased healthcare costs, pension depletion, reduced labor force, and growing demands for social welfare services continue to emerge.

 

In particular, South Korea, with its high elderly poverty rate, faces a severe lack of systematic preparation for old age. Along with rapid aging, the need for health management for the elderly is becoming increasingly crucial. Healthcare services need to address not only the treatment of chronic and serious diseases but also regular health checks. The financial burden on individuals, households, and institutions is rapidly growing, leading to higher social healthcare costs and insurance premiums, which in turn increase the public healthcare burden.

 

This increase in healthcare costs poses a serious threat to the health insurance system. Therefore, there is a need to improve comprehensive healthcare services that enable seniors to manage their own health through role distribution between primary healthcare institutions, small hospitals, and large hospitals. Additionally, institutional innovations for establishing community-based, personalized care services for the elderly should be pursued to improve efficiency.

 

The elderly population in the coming "super-aged society" will likely have higher levels of education and income compared to today’s seniors. As a result, they will have a greater awareness of individualistic values and rights, improved technological skills, and better health. The future elderly are expected to seek a more active and engaged lifestyle in their later years. This qualitative shift in the senior population presents new positive opportunities for society. However, the conditions necessary to support these social changes are still insufficient.

 

In the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, digital healthcare services are emerging as a key tool to meet these needs. The importance of research into user experiences (UX) for the senior demographic in service design is also being emphasized. Services and designs targeting seniors should not be special or overly niche. Rather than focusing on senior-specific concepts, it is crucial to develop "senior-friendly" designs and strategies that are attentive to users’ needs and support ease of use, ultimately enhancing their comfort and reducing discomfort.

 

Senior-friendly design is an approach that makes products or services more accessible and usable for the elderly population. It focuses on enhancing user experience (UX), minimizing inconvenience, and optimizing designs to address challenges that seniors may face, such as vision, hearing, mobility, and comprehension difficulties.

 

▲ A participant lies on a bed designed specifically for seniors at the 2008 Gwangju International Silver Expo held in Gwangju. (Yonhap)

 

Several design principles can be applied to ensure the comfort of older adults:

 

Larger Text and High Contrast: To accommodate declining vision in older adults, text size should be larger, and the contrast between background and text should be heightened to improve readability. For example, smartphones can offer options to increase text size or enable high-contrast modes, allowing users to more easily read information.

 

Intuitive Interfaces: A simple and intuitive navigation system is essential for seniors. Instead of complex menu structures, navigation should be straightforward with large icons for buttons. Removing unnecessary decorations or complicated features can enhance usability. For instance, Apple’s iOS “Accessibility” feature simplifies touchscreen operations and provides large buttons for easy access to important functions.

 

Voice Recognition and Guidance Features: Voice-controlled features in smartphones and home appliances significantly improve ease of use for seniors. Smart speakers or AI assistants for older adults enable them to search for information or set reminders via voice commands without needing to use their hands. Voice-guided instructions further simplify the process of using devices, making the experience senior-friendly.

 

Ergonomic Design of Assistive Devices: Products like canes or walkers should incorporate ergonomic design to reduce fatigue during prolonged use and prevent slipping. Lightweight materials and adjustable heights are key elements that increase convenience and comfort for elderly users.

 

Large Buttons and Simple Controls for Electronics: Devices like phones or remote controls designed for seniors often feature large buttons and simple interfaces, making them easier to operate. For example, phones with large keypads or remotes with minimal buttons help older adults use technology more comfortably.

 

Easy Online Accessibility: Website design is also crucial for seniors. Websites and apps should have larger buttons or links, simple layouts, and easy-to-read fonts. Proper use of white space and concise, straightforward information can reduce confusion and help seniors navigate online platforms more effectively.

 

Countries that entered an aging society earlier, such as those in the West, have already adopted senior business strategies across various industries to address the challenges of an aging population. These efforts have positively influenced the recognition of senior-friendly products and services, boosting brand awareness and product perception.

 

As the senior population continues to grow globally, senior-friendly design will play a critical role in ensuring that older adults can lead independent and fulfilling lives in an increasingly digital world.

 

 

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