Author(s):

Consolvo, Sunny; Roessler, Peter; Shelton , Brett E.

Title:

The CareNet Display: Lessons Learned from an In Home Evaluation of an Ambient Display

Publication:

Ubicomp 2004: Ubiquitous Computing 6 th International Conference

Keywords:

adoption; ambient displays; anthropology-visual; appeal; awareness; card sort; conceptual models; diary studies-photographic; distraction; effectiveness; enjoyment; ethnographic study; field studies; focus groups; impact and side effects; interaction; iterative design process; interviews; notice and consent; participatory design; peripheral displays; privacy; public information displays; qualitative research methods; quantitative research methods; self-reporting; sensing systems; social sciences; user evaluation; user modeling; user questionnaire; user satisfaction; user-centered design; utility; value

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the design and evaluation of an in-home care information system for the elderly and their care providers. The purpose of the system is to provide care givers with information about the status of their loved one, including: meals, medications, activities, feelings, etc.

To create the system, the authors began by investigating the need of users through in-depth interviews. Based on these interviews, 20 pieces of information were identified. The project team then conducted roundtable discussions with 17 care providers. During the roundtable, participants were asked to conduct a card sort of the 20 information pieces. Based on the results of the sort, the team selected the seven pieces of information to include in the system design.

The initial prototype consists of a tablet PC that displays in an image of the elderly individual with icons representing each of the seven communication items (medication, meals, etc.). The Ambient displays periodically updates throughout the day to include information on each of these items. For example, care providers can see the status of an elderly individual's medications and touch the screen to learn more (including what medications were taken, when, and any unusual events).

To evaluate the system, it was installed in four "care networks" involving nine participants over the course of three weeks. Participants were interviewed before and after the deployment. Photographs were also taken to show where participants placed the display within their home. Participants also completed a mailed questionnaire, mid-way through the session and asked to complete another questionnaire at the conclusion of the evaluation. Participants generally reported positive findings, but noted concerns about using sensors in their homes. In addition, several design issues were raised that allowed the project team to revise the design.

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