PresenceRemote:  Embracing Ambiguity in the Design of Social TV for Senior Citizens

This paper reports on our early experiences with the design of Social TV for senior citizens. Even though there seems to be a straight forward match between new interactive TV technologies on the rise and the notion of supporting social interaction amongst elderly TV viewers it is not at all clear how these technologies can accommodate the specific challenges related to the everyday life of elderly people. In particular, using an example concept - the PresenceRemote - we will discuss how the stigma associated with being lonely, an inherent part of senior living, can be addressed by leaving room for unarticulated intentions of use in our design of Social TV. The ’PresenceRemote’ is an enhanced TV remote control making it possible for you to notice others and be noticed by peers within your local neighborhood as you watch TV.