Designing interactive public displays in caring environments

What is it about?

This study explores how to design and evaluate interactive public displays in caring environments with a case study. In this paper, we describe the design process of OutLook, which is part of an initial participatory system specially designed for nursing homes to explore the possibilities of connecting people. It aims to enhance nursing home residents’ social wellbeing through a “look-outside” and a “postcard-sending” metaphor. A field trial was performed to assess the effects of OutLook on nursing home residents’ social behavior and feelings of connectedness. Key design factors for the effects and lessons learned were proposed as regard to design concept, design ideation, form of design, content, interfaces, interactions and field trial.

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Why is it important?

This case study was the beginning of a series of design studies aiming to propose guidelines and requirements for the development, design and research in caring environments. Although many findings from HCI can be applied to interactive public displays, simply guaranteeing utility, usability, and likability may not be enough. There have been also some requirements proposed for interactive public displays, but we believe more efforts need to be paid in caring environments with specific context and target group.

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