Unlocking insights for meaningful change
COTA SA’s social enterprise The Plug-in, is a specialist market insights operation which connects older people with business, industry and researchers. We give older people an influential voice and enable clients to innovate and improve products, services and policies for the growing 50+ market.
If you’re an individual over 50, then we invite you to join our community ready to “plug in” to client projects – it’s free and simple to register. Or if you’re from an organisation that wants to understand your older customers at a deep level, then connect with us – we are ready to partner with you.
Join The Plug-in community
If you want the power to influence the future of ageing we invite you to join us and have the opportunity to work alongside industry, innovators and researchers to help create technology, products and services that will better meet the future needs of older people.
Join The Plug-in community and have access to information, training and opportunities to identify and solve the problems that matter most to you and others.
Are you looking to connect with older people?
Speak with us to find out how The Plug-in provides industry, innovators and researchers the ability to connect with older South Australians to innovate, identify, test and take to market new products and services that better meet the future needs of older people.
The Plug-in offers:
- A fresh approach that delivers streamlined and tailored recruitment of participants that can add value to design and innovation processes
- An opportunity for ongoing relationships with the community
- Deeper dives leading to a deeper level of understanding about what’s important to older people
- Access to specialist support in developing and facilitating design and innovation processes
- Accelerated design and development phase and prototyping
- The ability to hit the mark (and market) quicker; and early exposure to potential ambassadors.
Read what our Community and Clients say about Our Impact, take a look at some of our past and present Projects or Contact The Plug-in team to discuss how we can work with you.
The Plug-in Team
Head of The Plug-in & Research and Engagement Manager – Rachael Nielsen BSSc (Hons)
Rachael is a Social Scientist with a background in social and consumer research in the diverse fields of retail and transport. Specialising in Qualitative research, Rachael has a passion for delivering actionable insights for clients by listening to people and meeting their needs.
Research and Engagement Officer – Sharmilla Zaluski
Sharmilla is an original member of The Plug-in start-up team and now contributes her expertise on a project basis as an advisor, co-researcher and workshop facilitator. She has previous experience working in policy, community engagement and customer service roles in numerous Local Government environments. Her warm and enthusiastic manner makes her a natural at connecting with people and drawing out their stories.
Consultant – Pablo Gonzalez CertIntBus, BEc , MPubPolicy&Mgt
Pablo is a consultant who has worked with The Plug-in on major projects since 2018. Pablo’s toolkit has a wide collection of gadgets. His tools vary from economic development, public policy, journalism, and service design to project management, graphic design, and events management. With a sharp eye for innovation and community development, Pablo supports his approach with light humour, philosophy and practical depth.