DEsigning AN ELDERLY COMMUNITY PLATFORM OBJECTIVE YoooM is a telepresence device developed by the company PresenceDisplays. One of its main aims is to reduce loneliness among elderly who suffer from immobility problems and whose social networks have reduced. During this project however, it was established that meeting ‘new’ people via YoooM was not facilitated in a satisfying way, while this is an important part of reducing loneliness. Therefore, the following design goal was formulated: “Provide inviting opportunities to meet new peers via YoooM, facilitate casual social (group) interaction and encourage creating friendships.” FOR A TELEPRESENCE DEVICE SOLUTION Literature research, interviews with the target group and several usability studies resulted in the design of a virtual park. In this park, all online users are visible by means of live streaming videos. In this space, users can wonder around, approach others and start a conversation similar to interaction in real life. By viewing direct live video images of all users and with the possibility to overhear conversations, an open, casual and trustworthy environment is created. To offer conversation starters, or the possibility to find people of similar mindset, users’ interests are visualized above their video frames. Furthermore, the concept offers several functions, such as a bulletin board to post messages on and a search function which gives an overview of all people present in the park. The my groups menu stimulates regular meetings as it offers the possibility to make appointments with others. When pressing on asomebody, this menu appears. Among others, it offers the option to block the video communication with this user or to invite him for a private conversation. The user is always shown in the middle of the screen. Moving around is possible by touching the desired location at the screen. A mini-profile shows the interests of a user in the form of a slide show. Users can choose to display a simple icon, write a personal text or add a photo made directly with the YoooM camera. EVALUATION Concept evaluations by users showed that the design was appreciated. This included the appearance, the offered functions and its overall goal. Elderly with computer experience clearly benefited from their skills but the design was also indicated to be user friendly by users with little experience. The research results indicate feasibility which leads to believe that the concept can be turned into a successful product, being a good step forward in the challenge of reducing loneliness among elderly. Anita van Schie Committee F. van Mourik Designing an elderly community platform for a telepresence device December 13, 2012 Design for Interaction Dr. Z. Rusak Company PresenceDisplays R. Smit Sound intensity is based on the distance between the sender and receiver, which enables one-on-one conversations. At the same time, it allows users to get an idea of the atmosphere and conversation topic while approaching a group, lowering the threshold to do so. The interface offers six main menu buttons, which allow access to the following functions: adjusting one’s interests, searching people, viewing the public bulletin board, correspond with one’s groups, get help or exit the park.