56Coach Assistant via Projected and Tangible Interface (CAPTAIN): Co-production of a Radically New Human Computer Interface with Older Adults

Abstract

Background: The quality of life of older adults is often impacted by a loss of autonomy and independence that can arise due to cognitive impairment, neurodegenerative disorders, functionality disability, and other frailty indicators. Ambient Assistive Living (AAL) environments that monitor behavioural cognitive and emotional states can support an individual more effectively than traditional care alone. Yet, their use remains low, perhaps due to the failure to involve end users in their design. The Coach Assistant via Projected Tangible Interface (CAPTAIN) H2020-funded project aims to develop a radically new Human Computer Interface (HCI) that uses micro-projectors and projected augmented reality to provide assistance whenever and where ever it is needed. Method(s): CAPTAIN technology utilises smart home appliances to turn a room into a tangible, interactive and user-friendly interface capable of capturing relevant physiological, behavioural and user-interactions through unobtrusive means. CAPTAIN also provides cognitive and physical training through serious games to increase engagement levels and a motivational coach that provides personalised guidance designed to enhance an individual's engagement in cognitive activity, social interaction and healthy nutritional and exercise habits. CAPTAIN harnesses the power of Living Labs (LLs), a vibrant stakeholder community and a multi-disciplinary team with clinical, technology, business, economic, policy and people with lived experience to ensure a truly user-centred co-creation approach that will be sustained throughout the development lifecycle. Result(s): CAPTAIN will be designed, developed and tested in five LLs (Thess-AHALL, INTRAS Living Lab, NIVELY, AMEN and AUSILIA), in long-term residential care (AMEN) and in the real homes of older adults including people living with cognitive impairment. Conclusion(s): Developed from many years of research in the active and healthy ageing domain, CAPTAIN will design the future home where smart assistance enhances the usefulness and effectiveness of personalised supports and enables independence and ageing in place.