Trust Places

Many older adults experiencing isolation don't turn to council services for support. This project explores how trusted everyday places can help bridge that gap.

Client

Role

Team

Duration

Ealing Council (Academic Collaboration)

Service Designer & Research Synthesis

8 weeks

2 Service Designer + 1 Data Researcher

+ 1 UI Designer

Interviews
Field Research
Stakerholder Mapping
Journey Mapping
Service Blueprint

Methods

Background

Why focus on older adults

Field Research

Libraries & Hub

Not only a place for books—libraries function as informal hubs where residents seek support, and they also host a wide range of regular activities designed for different age groups.

We noticed a heart-warming initiative in the supermarket: volunteers knit little woolly hats for the drink bottles, and for every bottle sold, 30p is donated to support older people in need in the local community.

Supermarket

Park & Street

Street noticeboards and posters displayed within charitable organisations advertising related activities.

“You can’t provide help without trust”

A local volunteer network that exists and has achieved certain effects in connecting residents with the government.

Stakeholder Interviews

“We have organised a range of related activities, and on a daily basis many older people come to us seeking support and assistance.”

Provide some health and wellness care services for the elderly, and also pay attention to the isolated elderly.

“ After retirement, my life became very lonely. I live alone because of my life experiences.”

“I have some friends who also live in ealing. Although I live alone, I really enjoy this kind of life！”

“My English is not good and I can't stand too much noise either. So I can't participate in the community activities. I hate this world！”

“I live alone in ealing. My friend and I often meet in coffee shops or parks to chat”

We interviewed 10 older adults who often travelled alone and mapped their most frequently visited places to understand where socially isolated older adults spend their everyday time.