This project introduces “Ledemaatje,” an interactive product designed to help older adults with mild intellectual disabilities (ID) stay active in a fun, independent way. Physical activity (PA) is essential for one’s well-being, yet barriers like caregiver dependence and limited access often stand in the way for people with ID. Ledemaatje aims to change that by offering a low-barrier, engaging solution that encourages movement and social connection. Developed through participatory design, this project focused on creating an accessible and motivating experience shaped by direct user feedback at every stage.

Research into the context of living with ID and current PA interventions shaped the project’s design goals and criteria, emphasizing autonomy, accessibility, and social engagement. The development phase involved multiple interactive sessions with three older adults with mild ID, living at a residency at the organization ‘s Heeren Loo. Observations and feedback gathered during each session were leading for the design direction of this project. These sessions revealed that performing activities in a group setting were effective in prompting PA but there was still a dependency on external motivation. Further testing focused on understanding user responses to different stimuli, and levels of autonomy,

Ledemaatje’s final design enables semi-autonomous use, allowing residents to interact with the product in a group setting while requiring minimal caregiver support. Ledemaatje uses automated movements, to prompt users to push, pull, and engage with the device, promoting upper-body movements not typically used in daily activities. These interactions are further enriched by sound cues, such as applause, rewarding users and providing a positive interaction experience.

Evaluations with residents and caregiver in a typical residential setting showed that Ledemaatje effectively promotes PA and social interaction. While participants’ motivation varied depending on the task speed and complexity, feedback highlighted the product’s support for resident autonomy and engagement.

In conclusion, Ledemaatje demonstrates the value of user-centered design, providing a low-barrier, enjoyable PA option. Recommendations include refining the product’s automated features to further minimize caregiver involvement and adding adjustable settings to better suit individual capabilities. This project contributes to the development of inclusive, affordable PA interventions for individuals with ID, fostering a more active environment in care facilities.