Our Past Activities - 2025
Here’s what we got up to in 2025 (so far)!
This page highlights the workshops, projects, and collaborations we’ve delivered in 2025. These range from exploring digital connection and storytelling to testing new technologies that support health and wellbeing.
We’ll keep updating this page as more activities take place. Check back to see how we’re working with community members, researchers, and local organisations to shape practical, people-centred solutions on the Central Coast.
Community Connection Challenge – Digital Discovery Sessions
Between April and June 2025 we hosted three workshops to explore how digital applications might support connection, communication, and storytelling for older adults. Community members, carers, health and aged care professionals and industry shared their experiences and reflected on how technology might add value in daily life.
The workshops included:
The SeniorsChannel: live and on-demand digital content for social connection
A Moment With: storytelling through voice and video
Rel8.app: communication between older adults, families, and care providers
Digital Innovation in Aged Care – iLA Projects
In 2025 iLA commissioned the Living Lab, in partnership with researchers from the University of Newcastle, to carry out user testing on early prototypes of digital tools in aged care. The projects explored two streams of innovation: an AI-enabled care planning application, and assistive technologies using VR and AR.
Early user testing provided valuable feedback on how these technologies might be used in practice, helping ensure they are usable, practical, and fit for purpose.
Wearable Tech - Concept Testing
In July 2025 a technology company engaged the Living Lab to support early concept testing for a new wearable device designed to promote safety, wellbeing, and independence for older people.
We combined rapid recruitment with tailored facilitation, bringing together older adults and aged care professionals in a safe and enjoyable setting. Using a semi-structured, conversational inquiry approach, we explored people’s needs, expectations, and everyday experiences. This ensured participants had a positive experience while also generating high-quality insights to guide the company’s broader design and validation process.
Strategic Doing Workshop – Shaping Lifelong Health
In August 2025 we hosted a Strategic Doing workshop as part of the soft launch of our Shaping Lifelong Health challenge.
Strategic Doing is a collaborative method for tackling complex issues in bite-sized, manageable ways. It helps groups work across silos without hierarchy, using existing resources to create quick wins and build momentum.
Our session gave participants a taster of the approach, exploring the theme of purpose and contribution across the lifespan and how Strategic Doing can open new pathways for collaboration.
Curious about how we approach innovation?