Participate in research study about downsizing and meaningful belongings
From: Department of Industrial Design
Are you currently downsizing or planning to downsize in the next few months? Do you find it challenging to decide what to keep and what to let go?
You're invited to take part in a research study (IRB #25-892): “Farewell, Not Forgotten: Designing Meaningful Goodbyes to the Things We Keep.”
This study explores how older adults make decisions about letting go of possessions and how to preserve the stories and meaning behind their belongings.
What You'll Do
- Share your experiences with downsizing.
- Bring up to three meaningful belongings and tell us about the stories behind them.
- Participate in a two-hour interview, which may include photo and video recordings.
- Some interviews may take place in your home.
Who Can Participate
- Adults aged 50 or older
- Currently downsizing possessions, planning to downsize within the next 6 months, or have done so within the past 5 years
- Willing to participate in a two-hour interview that includes sharing personal items for discussion and optional 3D scanning/digitization (to help preserve their stories and meaning)
Participants will receive a $20 voucher for their involvement.
To join, fill out this form, email VT.MemorySphere@gmail.com, or text 540-418-6398.