Co-designing a picturebook with older adults for intergenerational heritage transfer and wellbeing

Abstract

A growing body of research highlights the positive effects of creative activities, including art and design interventions, intergenerational programmes, and bibliotherapy on the wellbeing of older adults. Building on this, we explored the potential of picturebooks within intergenerational shared-reading contexts, fostering mutual enjoyment and heritage transmission. While picturebooks are traditionally designed for children, emerging trends reveal an increasing adult interest due to their multimodal nature. In this exploratory study, we aim to propose a method for designing a picturebook that can engage older adult readers during shared reading experiences, supporting wellbeing and the transmission of an industrial heritage site in Türkiye, through both the process and the final outcome. Accordingly, we conducted two consecutive workshops to co-design a picturebook prototype with older adults. We then facilitated shared-reading sessions to evaluate their experiences regarding engagement, intergenerational exchange, and their impact on wellbeing. We reflect on encouraging older adults’ participation in creative activities and enhancing shared reading experiences. Additionally, we speculate on design implications, such as leveraging technology to support both the creative process and the final output. We further elaborate on expanding picturebook co-creation activities into community-based, long-term formats to empower older adults as valuable contributors to cultural heritage transmission in societies.