Operationalizing self-perceptions of aging using reflection probe and SPA design cards with HCI practitioners

Self-Perceptions of Aging (SPA) are associated with older adults’ emotional, cognitive, and physical wellbeing and can be influenced through targeted interventions, yet SPA is rarely operationalized as concrete design material in HCI. This paper presents a material-driven method for using SPA as a lens for wellbeing-oriented design with HCI practitioners who are not themselves older adults. Building on formative studies with 24 older adults, we developed three interconnected SPA materials: an AI-mediated self-reflection tool grounded in Indian scripture texts, empathic reflection cards combining older adults’ quotes with emotion labels and corresponding guidance, and SPA design aspiration cards distilled from a systematic review of SPA intervention effects. These materials were used with 10 HCI practitioners in a structured session progressing from personal reflection to interpreting older adults’ situations. Analysis of discussions and follow-up feedback shows how SPA can be brought more concretely into HCI design practice.