Abstract:

This paper documents work from the EPSRC 'EQUATOR' and 'Dependability' Interdisciplinary Research Collaboration, concerned with the appropriate design of assistive technology to help older people maintain a quality of life within their own homes. The focus of this paper is methodological since methods for identifying user needs and system requirements in home and care settings are relatively under-developed and present a very complex set of challenges for inclusive design. We report on our experiences of using observational studies and adapting 'cultural probes' to foster an ongoing dialogue with the members of our user groups, to gain insights into their needs and generate design relevant information and inspiration.