According to the research (Wrzus et al. 2013), the social networks shrink during aging in terms of size, diversity and frequency of social contacts, whereby the circle of friends tend to be reduced more significantly than family ties. The HannaH research team focused on possibilities of tackling the social networks shrink by developing the matchmaking algorithm embedded in the home smart speaker that would support the exploration of new social contacts in the nearby of the place of residence of a user.
The technology does not only play an assistance role. It brings added value in terms of neutrality of service given and supporting user´s autonomy by providing matchmaking exclusively according to the inputs that user inserts to it. The user should be as much as possible in charge of creating their own social networks and the matchmaking algorithm is supposed to operate with sensitive approach, not engaging them into unwanted contacts. Thus, HannaH operates in a decently personalized manner, while supporting and empowering user´s autonomy.
The development of the matchmaking algorithm in a smart speaker brought important lessons regarding the interdisciplinary operation in the area of autonomous aging. While we conducted several expert and user focus groups and the MEESTAR analysis (Menzeschke et al. 2013), it appeared that it is extremely valuable to tune up technological and social aspects separately. This paper highlights the interdisciplinary development of a matchmaking algorithm used in a smart speaker and discusses sensitive nuances of such approach in the research and development of aging.

Authors:
Katerina Sidiropulu-Janku, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Austria
Christine Pichler, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Austria
Daniela Elisabeth Ströckl, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Austria
Gabriele Hagendorfer-Jauk, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Austria
Johannes Oberzaucher, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Austria
Manuela Perchtaler, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Austria

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Katerina Sidiropulu-Janku is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at Carinthia University of Applied Sciences in Austria

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