Addressing Issues of Need, Adaptability, User Acceptability and Ethics in the Participatory Design of New Technology Enabling Wellness, Independence and Dignity for Seniors Living in Residential Homes

This paper reports on human factors research concerning the advancement of new technology facilitating seniors leading fulfilling, meaningful and independent lives, with dignity in the community. Specifically, this paper provides a roadmap for the specification of new technology for use in residential homes which seeks to establish the appropriate balance between enabling the independence and well-being of residents (including supporting their privacy) and protecting residents from potential hazards. This research adopts a stakeholder evaluation/participatory approach to requirements elicitation and user interface design. The technology is defined from the perspective of addressing specific end user and stakeholder needs, and achieving relevant states/benefits associated with wellbeing, successful ageing, and relationship centred care. This research is being undertaken as an industry/academia collaboration involving Trinity College Dublin (TCD) Ireland and Oneview Healthcare.