Gianni Renda

HCI Methods for Empowering Discussion on Person-Centered Fall Prevention with Older Adults

This paper contends that Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) methods have the potential to improve person-centered fall prevention for older adults. One-size-fits-all solutions are not appropriate for everybody, and a considered, individualised approach to fall prevention is needed. A qualitative content analysis of sixty community based falls risk assessment forms and person-centered care documents was conducted. The results presented provide insights into the care goals of older adults as well as various reasons underpinning low acceptance and compliance with fall preventative home modifications and assistive technologies. These interventions are based on the goals of older adults that commonly extend beyond compensatory approaches to improve physical performance within the home environment. HCI methods and new technologies provide an opportunity to reshape person-centered fall prevention, resulting in higher satisfaction and subsequent compliance rates amongst older adults. Furthermore, a series of HCI inspired person-centered design guidelines for designing home modifications and assistive technologies solutions are presented.

The design briefing process matters: a case study on telehealthcare device providers in the UK*

Abstract Purpose: The telehealthcare sector has been expanding steadily in the UK. However, confusing, complex and unwieldy designs of telehealthcare devices are at best, less effective than they could be, at worst, they are potentially dangerous to the users. Method: This study investigated the factors within the new product development process that hindered satisfactory product design outcomes, through working collaboratively with a leading provider based in the UK. Results: This study identified that there are too many costly late-stage design changes; a critical and persistent problem area ripe for improvement. The findings from analyzing 30 recent devices, interviewing key stakeholders and observing on-going projects further revealed that one major cause of the issue was poor practice in defining and communicating the product design criteria and requirements. Conclusions: Addressing the characteristics of the telehealthcare industry, such as multiple design commissioners and frequent deployment of design subcontracts, this paper argues that undertaking a robust process of creating the product design brief is the key to improving the outcomes of telehealthcare device design, particularly for the small and medium-sized enterprises dominating the sector. Implications for rehabilitation Product design criteria and requirements are frequently ill-defined and ineffectively communicated to the designers within the processes of developing new telehealthcare devices. The absence of a (robust) process of creating the design brief is the root cause of the identified issues in defining and communicating the design task. Deploying a formal process of creating the product design brief is particularly important for the telehealthcare sector.

A Health Industry Perspective on Augmented Reality as a Communication Tool in Elderly Fall Prevention

Occupational therapists aim to provide person-centered fall preventative home modifications for older adults. For many older adults, anticipating home modifications and the related effects on their goals and lifestyles presents issues. The health industry seeks to raise compliance rates and successful uptake of recommendations. However, the inability to effectively visually communicate modifications can generate non-compliancy with interventions and safety problems. Augmented reality allows occupational therapists to enhance design communication and empower older clients in a novel manner. This qualitative research explores the industry side of fall prevention and design communication through the experiences of eleven specialist health professionals. Interviews with these experts are conducted and an augmented reality home modification design prototype is presented and evaluated, focusing on service goals and the goals of their older clients. Results show that the health industry welcomes augmented reality; new technologies permit greater person-centeredness by facilitating two-way design communication.

The cutlery effect: do designed products for people with disabilities stigmatise them?

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate of how assistive cutlery design effects perception of the user. Studies regarding the usage and development of assistive cutlery have primarily focused on the ergonomics, whereas research into the aesthetics of assistive cutlery has been minimal. A method based on Canter’s “Room Inference Protocol” from the field of environmental psychology was used to evaluate the aesthetics of the assistive cutlery. A series of images were digitally composited and a survey was deployed online, with an outcome of 562 usable responses. The results demonstrated that the female model with assistive cutlery was perceived to be less attractive, less stylish and less sporty in comparison with the male model that was utilising identical pieces of assistive cutlery. The research contributes to the existing literature in the field, complimenting the study by Torrens and Smith and validating the need for greater aesthetic consideration in addition to an ergonomically acceptable response for assistive cutlery. This in turn highlights the importance of industrial design for the context and adaptations of use, rather than just a design response given to the physical manifestation of a product. Implications for Rehabilitation Reduced grip can be not only physically debilitating but also socially isolating through stigmatisation. Current assistive cutlery may be ergonomically sound, but aesthetically lacking. Large, multinational study demonstrates significant gender effect relating to the perception of women using these devices.