# Beyond Functionality: Co-Designing Voice User Interfaces for Older Adults' Well-being

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.08449 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2409.08449/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 13 Sep 2024.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- ["MeBo Leaves a Piece of You Behind": Designing a Relational Voice-Based Memory Companion for Older Adults](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2609.24706/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The global population is rapidly aging, necessitating technologies that promote healthy aging. Voice User Interfaces (VUIs), leveraging natural language interaction, offer a promising solution for older adults due to their ease of use. However, current design practices often overemphasize functionality, neglecting older adults' complex aspirations, psychological well-being, and social connectedness. To address this gap, we conducted co-design sessions with 20 older adults employing an empathic design approach. Half of the participants interacted with a probe involving health information learning, while the others focused on a probe related to exercise. This method engaged participants in collaborative activities to uncover non-functional requirements early in the design process. Results indicate that when encouraged to share their needs within a social context, older adults revealed a range of sensory, aesthetic, hedonic, and social preferences and, more importantly, the specific personas of VUIs. These insights inform the relative importance of these factors in VUI design.