Abstract:

Assistive technologies play a crucial role in supporting the aging population.  However, in Switzerland, efforts to promote such technologies are hindered by a fragmented landscape—shaped by linguistic diversity and regionally isolated initiatives—making it challenging to provide older adults with consistent, accessible, and trustworthy information at the national level. This article presents the participatory design of a Swiss hybrid (offline and online) platform for assistive technologies. The process was carried out in three language regions of Switzerland and allowed to identify the needs of the platform stakeholders and to outline the key characteristics that such a platform should encompass. Older adults highlighted the importance of trustworthy information. For this purpose, the proposed technologies should be validated through long-term testing conducted by platform members, under the scientific guidance of an established network of living labs. Furthermore, the platform should facilitate the physical exchange of information, beyond traditional online websites.