Il nudge come metodo del paradigma progettuale Posthuman Centered Design

In the current design context, there is a need to shift from the traditional Human Centered Design (HCD) to a more sophisticated and non-anthropocentric approach known as More Than Human Centered Design (MTHCD). Although there is no precise definition of MTHCD, experts agree on the necessity for designers to acknowledge that humans are part of complex networks with non-human actors, characterized by emotional, economic, and moral autonomy. Another area of interest within MTHCD is Posthumanism, or Post Human Centered Design (PHCD). This field envisions a future where human capabilities, enhanced by technology, radically surpass current standards. The pervasive diffusion of technology, with the integration of IoT systems and smart devices, enhances human abilities and reflects the principles of Society 5.0, an advanced social model that deeply integrates individuals and machines. In this context, it is crucial to analyze the demographic group of the elderly, which is growing globally. In particular, Italy has the highest number of elderly people in the European Union, according to Eurostat. Memory loss is one of the first challenges of aging, making it essential to explore how technology can support mnemonic abilities. Recent research has examined the use of Virtual Reality (VR) and serious games to improve memory. Based on these studies, a new immersive experiment has been proposed that introduces a nudge, a behavioral strategy that influences people's decisions implicitly and non-coercively. In this context, the nudge materializes through the presence of an observing audience. The user, aware of being watched, engages in immersive activities, allowing for a comparison between performances in solitude and those under observation. If the hypothesis that the nudge increases engagement and performance is confirmed, the study could offer significant benefits to those facing memory issues, such as those related to Alzheimer's. The secondary objective is to identify the best configuration of real environments in which to conduct these virtual activities, aiming to slow cognitive decline and improve quality of life.