Design for adapted devices: An evaluation tool of smart things for seniors

Abstract

In addition to usual Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices, things such as clothes and homes are becoming smart and can be used for specific aging needs. However, because there is a diversity of senior impairments, one must diagnose needs, expectations or skills of seniors in order to provide the best adapted functions and usages. This study is about how to choose the best care method for seniors by providing a diagnosis based on a tool called "Design for Adapted Devices" (DAD). DAD tries to develop adaptable systems based on the comprehensive diagnosis of human deficits and needs of future users, taking into account the aspects of the individual's activity. DAD takes into account several dimensions of user diversity like skills and abilities (motor, cognitive skills, etc.) and measures deficits that modulate users' performances (social support, experience, etc.). Applied to seniors, DAD gives prospective data to define future smart things. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.