We used voice tech to tackle loneliness
"Half a million older people go at least 5 days a week without speaking to another person" - Age UK
The Challenge
Abbeyfield is dedicated to reducing isolation among elderly residents, many of whom may have lost loved ones or have limited contact with family and friends. During a separate web project, The Human Tech Agency identified an opportunity to support this mission by exploring whether voice-activated assistants could provide residents with a sense of presence, companionship and practical support. The challenge was to introduce unfamiliar technology in a sensitive, meaningful way, while ensuring residents felt comfortable, confident and willing to take part in the pilot.
Reducing Isolation
Abbeyfield wanted to find new ways to help residents feel less alone in their rooms
Technology Adoption
The challenge was to understand whether elderly residents would feel comfortable using voice-activated assistants
Meaningful Pilot
The project needed to be tested carefully with selected residents, supported by Abbeyfield staff and academic insight
What We Delivered
We created and delivered a voice-assistant pilot for five selected Abbeyfield residents, designed to explore whether the technology could help reduce loneliness and provide day-to-day support.
Before visiting the home, we developed a simple “cheat sheet” to help residents understand how to use the assistant. This included how to activate it, change the volume, ask questions, check the weather, play music and start games.
In May 2019, we visited Abbeyfield Westbourne and set up each resident with their own voice assistant. We spent time understanding their daily routines, how they spent their spare time and whether they experienced feelings of loneliness, helping us tailor the support to each individual.
We returned regularly to check in, answer questions and help residents get more comfortable with the technology. During these visits, we identified common challenges, such as residents asking questions in a very polite or detailed way, and helped them learn how to use shorter, clearer commands.
We also personalised the experience where needed, including setting up Spotify for one resident who loved music, so they could listen to their favourite artists, albums and genres more easily.
With permission, we recorded and reviewed resident interactions with the assistants, then shared the findings with Professor Arlene Astell at the University of Reading to gain academic insight into the potential impact of the project.
The Result
The pilot had a powerful and positive impact on the residents involved, helping them feel more comfortable, supported and connected in their day-to-day lives.
Residents began using the voice assistants for companionship, entertainment, music, weather updates and simple daily interactions. Over time, they became more confident in how they spoke to the devices and were able to get more value from the technology.
Feedback from residents showed the emotional impact of the project, with comments including “It has become a friend” and “It has given me another person to speak to.” The pilot demonstrated that voice technology could offer a low-barrier, meaningful way to support elderly residents and help reduce feelings of loneliness.
How We Work
A proven process that delivers results, from discovery to continuous improvement.
Thinking about a similar project?
We map your user journeys, design for clarity and ease, and connect your digital experience to your operational workflows, so users, teams, and partners get an experience that works first time.
