  This paper presents a new method of engaging older participants in the
process of application and IT solutions development for older adults for
emerging IT and tech startups. A new method called SPIRAL (Support for
Participant Involvement in Rapid and Agile software development Labs) is
proposed which adds both sustainability and flexibility to the development
process with older adults. This method is based on the participatory approach
and user empowerment of older adults with the aid of a bootstrapped Living Lab
concept and it goes beyond well established user-centered and empathic design.
SPIRAL provides strategies for direct involvement of older participants in the
software development processes from the very early stage to support the agile
approach with rapid prototyping, in particular in new and emerging startup
environments with limited capabilities, including time, team and resources.
