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Use‐cases and users' requirements for design of an individualized sensor‐based assistive system for people with dementia in nursing facilities: A user centered design approach using qualitative research
Author(s) -
Köhler Stefanie,
Goerss Doreen,
Kowe Antonia,
Kirste Thomas,
Teipel Stefan J
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1002/alz.038251
Subject(s) - usability , curiosity , focus group , qualitative research , autonomy , dementia , set (abstract data type) , assistive technology , applied psychology , computer science , process (computing) , user centered design , user experience design , psychology , aging in place , human–computer interaction , medicine , gerontology , social psychology , social science , disease , pathology , marketing , sociology , political science , law , business , programming language , operating system
Background Challenging behaviors often cause stress and burden for caregivers of persons with dementia (PwD). Individually tailored assistive devices have the potential to support the persons concerned and reduce caregivers‘ burden, if they are adapted to users’ needs. Therefore, it is an urgent need to focus on values and abilities of prospective users to design suitable technologies. Here, we introduce a user centered design approach in the development process of an assistive technology in institutionalized care for PwD. Method We identified three different groups of stakeholders and conducted 28 semi‐structured interviews (9 PwD, 10 relatives, 9 health professionals). Interview categories included daily life of PwD, difficulties in unfamiliar surroundings, presentation of challenging behaviors, previous experiences with technology and perceived use of assistive technologies to be developed. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. Result Results show that the individual set of user values, the global cognitive status, previous experiences with available technology and general interest and curiosity in technology of PwD act as main contributors to the attitude toward using new assistive devices. During the conference we will present resources (i.e. user experience, personal benefit, routine in using technology and autonomous detection of needs) and obstacles/barriers (less support from others, missing time and interest, doubt about usability, complexity) for using technology as well as user values (autonomy, information, privacy). In parallel, we will list use‐cases extracted from the interviews: temporal (i.e. day time, appointments) and spatial disorientation (i.e. pacing, disability to find the right room), aggression and affective disorders, falls and information about (inter‐)national news service. Functional requirements like occupation and cognitive training, communication (caregiver‐relative, caregiver‐PwD), falls and sleep detection, memory function, playing music and spreading fragrance in case of aggression/agitation were named. Further, we will derive design requirements and suitable interventions offered by an assistive device adapted to the users' needs. Conclusion We could show that user centered design is applicable even with cognitively impaired people. Qualitative research helps to identify personal key factors that may contribute to usage of assistive devices and should be integrated in future technologies to provide suitable interventions.