Age of improvement – making older lives happier

Laura Warwick, 22, who graduated in the summer with a First Class Honours Degree in Design for Industry, has established a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with the UK’s leading advocates for older people and one of Britain’s most influential charities together with a wider strategic partnership called Quality of Life Partnership.

KTPs help businesses and organisations to improve their competitiveness and productivity by applying the knowledge, technology and skills developed in leading universities. This is the first time a Service Design approach has been applied through a KTP in the voluntary sector.

Laura is undertaking an analysis of the services offered by Age Concern Newcastle and other partners and will also work closely with recipients to see what enhancements can be made.

The partnership with Age Concern Newcastle began when Laura first conducted research as part of an academic competition whose theme addressed social isolation and loneliness in older people.

“I discovered that many older people found it a daunting prospect to join one of the classes offered by Age Concern Newcastle on their own. Once they get there they quickly realise how welcoming the place is.  I devised a networking system to find new starters a “friend’’ who would meet them and show them around.  I also concluded that marketing material needed input from the older people to give them a sense of ownership.’’

Laura’s supervisor Mark Bailey, said: “Designers have to be good at talking to people to get them connected to the services they want and need.  Much of Laura’s task will be about unpicking the complexities of what is already going on and making it more visible and accessible.’’

Laura added: “My biggest challenge will be gaining a thorough understanding of the people who use Age Concern’s services. If you’re designing a mobile phone you first need to understand what people want.  The same design principles are important here, it’s just that I’ll be applying my findings to a service, rather than a product.’’

Mark added: “Age Concern and the Quality of Life Partnership is very keen to build on the relationship developed with Northumbria University over many years. We can provide them with new knowledge at a strategic level and leave the organisation better equipped to satisfy its key customers.’’

Fran O’Brien, Deputy Chief Executive of Age Concern Newcastle, added: “This is an exciting opportunity for us at a time of great change for older people and their services. We look forward to the skills and fresh perspective Laura will bring.’’

Northumbria is leading the field in terms of Service Design. It was the first university in the country to set up a Service Design KTP 18 months ago with Zodiac Training in Tyne and Wear. It has also established a series of conferences on the subject entitled International Service Design Northumbria (or ISDN).

The University’s research and teaching enjoys a growing international reputation. Northumbria is the leading provider of high-calibre graduates in the North East economy and enjoys strong links with the professions, business and the creative and digital industries. It was the most improved university in the North of England in the most recent assessment of research quality with all submitted areas deemed “world leading’’ or “internationally excellent.’’

An international institution with students from more than 140 countries, it offers an excellent student experience, and strives to enhance economic, social and cultural well-being in its region and further afield.