The methodology adopted reflected the view that Inclusive Design should not only be
about designing functionally inclusive products but also about ensuring that the resulting
products are attractive and socially acceptable to all. The study therefore aimed to
uncover the attitudes of older people and other stakeholders towards the concept of
playground based exercise as well as the contextual barriers (physical, social and
psychological) that currently prevent playground use. Rather than recruiting individuals
to a structured exercise programme, who by their willingness to take part already
showed some predisposition to being more active, the study sought to elicit views from a
wider cross section of older adults using a range of qualitative methods. The views of
playground manufacturers and providers of playground facilities were also collected to
ascertain whether these stakeholders were already considering the functional and social
needs of older adults. The following data collection activities therefore took place: