What do you mean? Exploring Interdisciplinary Frictions when Designing for Longevity

With a projected global population of 2.1 billion individuals aged 60 and older by 2050, there is an imperative to explore the implications of living longer and how to design solutions that support individuals’ well-being and promote independence. In this context, interdisciplinary collaborations, by bringing together different forms of expertise, can provide creative and effective solutions. However, the complexities of working in synergy with others are rarely discussed. Drawing from our experiences as early academic researchers, we delve into the nuances of interdisciplinary design research for an ageing population. Through autoethnographic dialogues between the authors and semi-structured interviews with professionals from various disciplines, we uncover and discuss frictions inherent in interdisciplinary collaborations. Our findings reveal tensions surrounding data interpretation, ontological and epistemological beliefs, evaluation of project outcomes, and ethical considerations. We propose an initial framework to navigate these frictions constructively, fostering dialogue and understanding among team members. By prioritising lived experiences and reflexivity, our work contributes practical insights for interdisciplinary collaboration in designing for longevity, offering a lens into the complexities and opportunities of navigating disciplinary boundaries.