Globally the Older Adult population is increasing; people are living longer and in many cases with some form of physical or functional limitation in their own home. As a result, there is a requirement for support from Stakeholders (family members, neighbours, health professionals and Companies) to enable ageing in place.
The concept of ‘Shared Usability’ proposes that Older Adults can maintain a sense of independence, choice and empowerment, even with support from other stakeholders, when using products or services. The aim of this research was to explore ‘Shared Usability’ in the context of a User Centred Design process that supported the research hypothesis:
‘It is possible to empower Older Adults through ‘Shared Usability’ by mutually agreed intervention with other stakeholders when using Products or services.’

There were two stages to this research;
Enquiry - During the enquiry phase, qualitative research methods were undertaken and conducted over a nine month period. The fieldwork involved observing and understanding everyday life for the Older Adult in their own home, with specific enquiry and task observation of eight areas, as identified by the literature review.
Implementation - Design methodologies of ideation, sketching and iterative sketch models were applied in order to select one specific area for design conceptualisation. Further to this, brainstorming sessions involving the participants using storyboard and feedback were used to evaluate proposed concepts.
This research offers a definition of ‘Shared Usability’ that can be identified as a consideration within User Centred Design processes. It documents a process of fieldwork enquiry into eight specific areas of day to day life for Older Adults. Through practice based design methodologies the concept of the ‘SmartShare App’ was created. This concept promotes and highlights how a User (the Older Adult) will select the levels of engagement they have in managing heating and fuel efficiency in their home. The Older Adult agrees the varying levels of access and support with Stakeholders to maintain a sense of independence and empowerment. Finally, it discusses how shared autonomy between User and Associated Stakeholders is supportive to the Older Adult maintaining independence and self-sufficiency.