Empowering elderly end-users for ambient programming: The tangible way

Abstract

This paper presents a novel tangible interaction technique leveraging Near Field Communication (NFC) enabled Magnetic Cards to empower elderly end-users in programming their pervasive computing environment. Following a user-centric design approach through cultural probes, we have explored the design space of possible programming opportunities for elderly users. Accordingly we have identified interaction techniques and candidate artefacts that could offer this user group a seamless programming experience for augmenting their ambient environment with software driven personalized behavior. Three aspects of programming - behavior generation, modification and (de) activation are addressed using two tangible user interfaces - i) NFC cards for smart behavior creation and modification and ii) a digital memo board as a placeholder for (de) activation of intelligent behavior. A qualitative feasibility study suggests that the proposed approach is simple, comprehensive and has the potential to be easily incorporated in the everyday routines of the elderly end-users. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.