Masters Thesis: Initial Direction

I am about to embark on my final design project, on which I have chosen to focus on aging baby boomers. I find this group especially interesting as the demographic shift is monumental and global and the aging population will be more healthy, affluent, educated, and active than ever. I believe it is important for design to be universal and transgenerational, however, there is little focus on designing for this new aging demographic. Therefore, it would be interesting to research and find new design opportunities that would address the needs of this group, whether it be communication, lifestyle, health, hobbies/interests, psychological/sociological, etc.

Below are slides from my kickoff presentation.

The Baby Boomer generation refers to those born between 1946 and 1964. They grew up during decades of radical social, technological and economic change and thus are generally characterized as being idealistic, ideological and innovative. In 2006 the first Baby Boomer turned 60 years old.



Society is currently undergoing a huge demographic shift towards an increasingly aging population.

This aging demographic is also healthier and living longer lives than their counterparts decades ago; likewise, future generations will have even longer life expectancies.

Baby Boomers are redefining the nature of aging: they are healthier, more educated, wealthier, and more technologically proficient than the current elderly population.

“Middlescence” becomes the new adolescence during which Baby Boomers now have the time and freedom to pursue their own interests, have a fresh beginning and achieve personal fulfillment.

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