Over the past few months, something’s been cooking in SpudnikLab’s laboratory. It’s called ‘D.Lit’ and… it’s awesome!
What is D.Lit, anyway?
D.Lit (short for ‘Digital Literacy’), is a fun, interactive toolkit for the elderly to learn how to use their mobile phones. D.lit comes in the form of easy-to-read sized cards with graphics on them.
Many older people find using digital tools, like various apps, intimidating and confusing. D.Lit is designed to present digital tools in a way that takes away the intimidation factor. The end result? Elderly users gain digital confidence.
Ok, so how does D.Lit work?
There are 3 types of D.Lit cards:
- Scenario cards
- Skill cards
- the Learning Tracker card
Scenario cards are used to facilitate conversations about the elderly’s concerns about using mobile devices, as well as how some mobile applications could be used to help them in their daily lives.
Then, as the conversation between the facilitator and learner evolves, they will learn a digital skill of their choice using the Skill card.
When they have finished the learning segment, the facilitator will guide them through a reflection exercise on the skill they’ve just learned, and their level of confidence in their competency at this skill. These will be noted down on the Learning Tracker card.
Besides the D.Lit box of cards, what else is needed?
- A facilitator (someone with a patient, friendly and warm disposition)
- A quiet, relaxed environment
- Tables and chairs
- Writing materials
- Snacks are always a good thing
So what was the process of creating D.Lit?
We created D.Lit with a rapid iterative design process. It involved understanding our target audience through research, ideating and creating prototypes, and playtesting them with our SpudnikLab team and senior digital users.
With the feedback we received from our playtesters, we refined D.Lit’s design. We’ll be the first to admit that D.Lit is not a perfect product and we hope that as more users interact with it, we’ll receive lots of useful feedback to help us to refine the product further.
Ok, now I’m excited! How can I get D.Lit?
For more information about D.Lit or to organise D.Lit sessions with your friends or community, please contact us at impact@spudniklab.com so we can organise these sessions for you at a low cost. We welcome anyone keen to learn digital skills as a community and we look forward to hearing from you!
