Clarifying the Compass: A Reflexive Narrative on Entry Barriers into HCI and Aging Research

2026-03-09

AI Summary

This study addresses the persistent gap between human-computer interaction (HCI) research and the realities of aging populations, which often results in technologies misaligned with older adults’ genuine needs. Through the volunteer experiences of two HCI researchers without prior aging-related expertise in a senior community, the project employs qualitative methods—including reflective narrative, participatory observation, and narrative analysis—to investigate how immersive empathy fosters deeper understanding of elderly users’ lived experiences. The work proposes an interdisciplinary entry point centered on firsthand engagement and affective resonance, offering HCI scholars a replicable methodological framework for entering aging research. It further underscores the critical role of empathy in bridging the divide between technology design and the nuanced requirements of older adults.

Technology Category

• Humans and AI: Human-Computer Interaction
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Affective Computing
• Application Domains: Humanities & Computational Social Science

Application Category

• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Practical large-scale studies of user experience
• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Research challenges in human and human-AI computation
• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy

Abstract

This manuscript presents the perspectives and reflections of two researchers who were not previously engaged in aging research, regarding the gaps and barriers related to interdisciplinary collaboration on HCI and Aging research. The manuscript has two sections. In the first section, the authors discuss their observations on the disconnect between the needs of aging populations and the design of emerging technologies. The second section delves into their personal journey of developing empathy and a deeper understanding of older adults by volunteering in a senior living community, and shares their reflective thoughts on these experiences.

Problem

• HCI
• Aging
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Technology design
• Entry barriers

Innovation

• reflexive narrative
• interdisciplinary collaboration
• HCI and aging
• empathy development
• entry barriers