In-vivo therapy procedures: Design process of a Geo-referenced system

Abstract

This paper presents the design process of a geo-referenced communication system which aims at providing technological support to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Social Competences and Skills Training therapeutic procedures. The usage of geo-spatial information while communicating between therapists and patients can be critical, particularly in in-vivo sessions, to identify locations which evoke negative experiences to patients or to encourage the latter to overcome obstacles. We show a highfidelity prototype multi-iteration design process and complement the discussion with the results from an experimental period which aimed at assessing the system from a usability, user satisfaction and functionality perspectives. Results were positive and led to the revision and ultimately the final design iteration which is reported here. We present the rationale behind these design choices, discuss the advantages over existing similar tools, analyze possible challenges and comment on the fulfillment of providing seamless context to scenarios where such information is paramount. © Springer-Verlag 2013.