Nina B. N. Christoffersen, Mimi Son and Sarasiff Kjærgård
We found that the theme of establishing new communication channels between the residents and their families would be of value to both parties.
During our research we observed that the residents looked very much forward to hearing from or seeing their
family. However, there appeared to be a communication gap. On the one end, the family seemed to lead a very
busy life which makes it difficult for them to come and visit the elderly. Also the family use different communication tools to keep up with this fast pace – communication channels that the elderly is not familiar with.
This makes it difficult to communicate and can create a feeling of guilt since the elderly is waiting on the family
to contact them. On the other end – the elderly usually have a lot of time on their hands.
We wanted to create a new communication channel – one where the elderly easily could contact their family
themselves at any time of the day – one where the family could answer when they have a few minutes to spare – and finally, one where all the members of the family could communicate in their own way. |
How does it work?
We created two different interfaces – one especially for the family and a different one for the elderly.
The reason for this decision is that the family typically is some what experienced computer users as well as
other technical devices and will have other needs that the elderly. The elderly on the other hand is not used to
a screen based interaction form and will therefore need a ‘friendlier’ devise with fewer options compared to
the family. |
The solution for the family involves an interactive refrigerator. Each family member has a magnet displaying
their image. When the grandmother has sent e.g. the granddaughter a message her magnet will light up,
indicating that she has received a post. The fridge-screen will be turned on when the granddaughter places
her magnet on the lower part of the fridge. She can, by tapping the pictures on the screen, see grandmothers
message and choose how to replay. A four year old can for instance choose to replay by drawing on the fridge
and thereby sending grandmother a drawing. The family can also choose to send a picture, a letter or a postcard.
A postcards function is like a Facebook ‘poke’ – it has a pre-defined message you can send to get attention or to give a ‘yes, I see you. Talk to you later’-hint.
Grandmother also has the postcard- and the letter-option, metaphors she is familiar with, but not the drawing- and photo-option. She can receive these but will not use these options her self – therefore we did not include them in her interface, the Frame. The Frame guides her through her communication options and “holds her hand” through creating and receiving messages.
We created a video prototype to explain the use, the interface and the value of ‘You Are My Sunshine’. Check it out. |
