Modular smart furniture system for independent living of older adults : user experience study
Merilampi, Sari; Poberznik, Anja; Saari, Santeri; Serrano, J. Artur; Güttler, Jörg; Langosch, Katharina; Bock, Thomas; Zou, Ling; Magne, Trine A. (2020)
Merilampi, Sari
Poberznik, Anja
Saari, Santeri
Serrano, J. Artur
Güttler, Jörg
Langosch, Katharina
Bock, Thomas
Zou, Ling
Magne, Trine A.
2020
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe20201211100338
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe20201211100338
Tiivistelmä
Background: The ageing of the population represents a significant challenge, however, it is
also a huge potential driver for innovation. Technology development capabilities are rapidly
increasing, which enables new, innovative solutions when considering the ageing population.
Objective: To promote the successful development and implementation of new technologies
(in this case, smart furniture), positive user feedback and experiences are required.
Methods: In this study, several modular smart furniture prototypes were developed, offering
a potential solution to several challenges associated with ageing. The aim was to investigate
which features positively affect user experience and consequently form the basis for
smart, ageing-friendly furniture design guidelines. The smart furniture systems consisted
of five prototypes: Fall Detection system with assistive Mobile Robot, ReAbleChair, Magic
Mirror, Smart Gaming Chair, and 3D printed handles. These prototypes were presented to
seniors in a home-like environment, after which participants completed a questionnaire
and were interviewed. The themes used in the semi-structured interview followed the
structure of Jesse Garrett’s user experience framework.
Results: The most essential feature was found to be modularity, or the ability to customize
solutions according to the end user’s capabilities and needs. In addition, results highlight
that smart furniture should be aesthetically pleasing whilst still serving its primary purpose
(i.e. as an item of furniture). Administrative components of the software should be removed
from the end user’s User Interface (UI) and integrated in a separate UI, to simplify
the end user’s interaction with the technology. Installation and customization services, as
well as value-adding services (i.e. monitoring) were seen to offer potential.
Conclusions: In general, the user experiences were positive. Smart features were readily
accepted as part of the furniture prototypes, with hidden technologies offering the opportunity
to design functional furniture to assist the older adults. In particular, smart furniture
offers the potential to foster independent and high-quality living, without the stigma often
associated with senior-targeted assistive devices. In addition to proving feedback on the
smart furniture prototypes, the information gathered provided an excellent foundation for
future smart furniture guideline development.
also a huge potential driver for innovation. Technology development capabilities are rapidly
increasing, which enables new, innovative solutions when considering the ageing population.
Objective: To promote the successful development and implementation of new technologies
(in this case, smart furniture), positive user feedback and experiences are required.
Methods: In this study, several modular smart furniture prototypes were developed, offering
a potential solution to several challenges associated with ageing. The aim was to investigate
which features positively affect user experience and consequently form the basis for
smart, ageing-friendly furniture design guidelines. The smart furniture systems consisted
of five prototypes: Fall Detection system with assistive Mobile Robot, ReAbleChair, Magic
Mirror, Smart Gaming Chair, and 3D printed handles. These prototypes were presented to
seniors in a home-like environment, after which participants completed a questionnaire
and were interviewed. The themes used in the semi-structured interview followed the
structure of Jesse Garrett’s user experience framework.
Results: The most essential feature was found to be modularity, or the ability to customize
solutions according to the end user’s capabilities and needs. In addition, results highlight
that smart furniture should be aesthetically pleasing whilst still serving its primary purpose
(i.e. as an item of furniture). Administrative components of the software should be removed
from the end user’s User Interface (UI) and integrated in a separate UI, to simplify
the end user’s interaction with the technology. Installation and customization services, as
well as value-adding services (i.e. monitoring) were seen to offer potential.
Conclusions: In general, the user experiences were positive. Smart features were readily
accepted as part of the furniture prototypes, with hidden technologies offering the opportunity
to design functional furniture to assist the older adults. In particular, smart furniture
offers the potential to foster independent and high-quality living, without the stigma often
associated with senior-targeted assistive devices. In addition to proving feedback on the
smart furniture prototypes, the information gathered provided an excellent foundation for
future smart furniture guideline development.