![]() ![]() This post-design approach focuses less on the product, but more on the experience of the user. Participatory design is the process by which end users (stakeholders) or future users have the opportunity to be involved in the innovation process, such as technology design. User-centered design focuses on ensuring that products meet the needs of the user and are usable to them. Ongoing participatory and user-centered design of robotic technologies with intended users and experts is also vital for developing effective, useful, acceptable, and user-friendly products. Importantly, robots need to be evaluated in the settings they are developed for and during long-term use, as this is essential to encountering real-world challenges. However, a review of social robotics found that many researchers only provide users with a single session to test a robot or ask participants to imagine using it, after seeing it. ![]() Some research has explored long-term use in the ‘wild’ including robots that support dieting interventions, improve social skills and provide developmental support to children with autism spectrum disorder, assist therapy for cardiac rehabilitation, mimic animal-assisted therapy, and support patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. ĭespite the potential value of robots, very few studies have explored unrestricted use of them in natural environments and user perceptions of them thereafter. In more recent studies, games robot Tangy autonomously facilitated bingo game sessions for older adults, and Hector the robot provided cognitive games, along with general home-based support and medication reminders. Other robots deliver services, such as the Care-O-Bot, which provides functional support (fetching and carrying objects) and reminding users to take medications and guide them to their appointments. More recently, innovations in computer systems and robotic technology have accelerated the development of robots as novel methods of delivering support to older adults, especially within retirement villages.Įxisting robots built for older adults include companion robots such as the baby harp seal robot Paro, which is successful in combating loneliness, stress and lowering blood pressure. Assistive technologies (also called gerontechnologies) and cognitive stimulation activities (e.g., games) have been found to promote independent living and to help protect against age-related cognitive decline. Therefore, non-pharmacological interventions are important. There are currently no effective pharmacological treatments for dementia. Daily reminders for activities and medication management may also support older adults in living independently. However, brain training, social engagement and ageing-in-place may help to prevent cognitive decline and promote functioning. This is because age-related physical disabilities and the onset of cognitive impairments (e.g., dementia) can prevent older adults from living independently and participating in society, thus increasing dependence on health, welfare, and social support systems. Skip 1INTRODUCTION Section 1 INTRODUCTIONĪn ageing global population presents new challenges for supporting and caring for older adults. Recommendations for future development and the design of assistive health robots are made. This project highlights the importance of participatory design and testing robotics in end-user environments, as technical issues associated with long-term use were uncovered. Functions should be personalizable to accommodate individual health needs and preferences. Personalization is required to optimize human-robot interaction, and imagery and speech should be consistent with local users. The final robot and games were acceptable to older adults, and useful for delivering stimulating activities and providing reminders for medication, health and wellbeing checks. This paper provides a summary of the participatory design and mixed-methods evaluation processes undertaken to develop, refine, and test the robot. ![]() Two phases were dedicated to cognitive stimulation games. The daily-care robot was developed in collaboration with experts, carers, relatives, and older adults, through six phases. This four-year international project developed and evaluated a home-based robot for mood stabilization and cognitive improvement in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and age-related health needs. Involving end users in the design of robots is vital for developing effective, useful, acceptable and user-friendly products that meet expectations, needs, and preferences. Participatory design includes stakeholders in the development of products intended to solve real-life challenges. ![]()
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