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The Pwds motivation to use new devices would increase if the COGKNOW Day Navigator became a
family device instead of an assistive device only for the Pwd.
Another important motivating factor for the usefulness of the assistive devices pointed out by all the
participants was the possibility to adjust the functions such as reminders according to personal needs.
All the Pwds, except one, applied a memory strategy where they used a large wall calendar to make
notes about activities important to remember. They thought that the stationary device should have a
similar feature, where it was easy for the informal carer to update the list of important activities.
Reminders of activities were needed by all the participating Pwds, who often had problems in initiating
them. Both the possibility of being reminded to make calls and the easy way of making calls by
pressing a button were appreciated by all Pwds, except one who was still very independent. Some
informal carers thought it would be good to have a more expanded directory.
The design of the screen on the stationary device was appreciated by all participants. The concept of
using a combination of pictures, icons and text worked well. One of the Pwds who had perception
problems thought that text messages could be taken away or at least be minimised. Instead, there
should be voice prompts reinforcing the messages. He also thought that there should be stronger
contrasts between the icons or buttons and the background. One of the informal carers found the
appearance of the stationary device with all the cords that went along with it too technical. It would be
easier for the Pwd to accept it if it had blended in more harmoniously with other household equipment
and furniture.
The mobile device was more questioned and discussed by the participants than the stationary device.
Four out of six Pwds had been using cell phones prior to field test #1, but had quitted due to insecurity
in using them. Only two Pwds were still using mobile phones on an everyday basis. The tested
COGKNOW device was unstable in its functions, and it was therefore difficult to have an opinion on its
usability. They all agreed that the mobile device had to be very easy to operate in order for the Pwd to
feel secure in using it. The most important function was the ability to call a family member or a friend if
they felt insecure when outdoors. Some of the informal carers thought that it could be good if the
PRELOHXQLWZDV³LQWHOOLJHQW´DQGLQYDULRXVZD\VFRXOGDVVLVWWKHPwd to communicate or direct them
selves, but it should not contain too many buttons. One of the Pwds thought that the touch screen was
too sensitive and difficult to handle with his fingers. All informal carers were hoping to find a solution
where a mobile unit could be used by the Pwds since this would make them more independent. At the
same time they had their doubts due to many practical problems needed to be solved. Problems
mentioned were the possibility that the Pwd would switch off the power, forget to take it along or switch
it off and put it away.
4.1.2 Observations
The overall system design was generally approved by the Pwds and their informal carers at all test
sites. The size of the stationary device was judged as appropriate, but some of the Pwds remarked
that the screen was not sufficiently clear, and one Pwd in Lulea suggested that text messaging
(reminding functionality) should be minimized. One Pwd in Amsterdam had difficulties in deciphering
pictures and text on the screen. One Pwd in Amsterdam also thought the text should stand out more
pronounced, and another Pwd found the text underneath the pictures too small, but the words to
describe the functions were clear. In general, the touch screen design with pictures, texts, and icons
was approved by our informants, even if some of them had difficulties operating the touch screen on
the stationary device. The sensitivity of the touch screen of the CHH was not high enough for some of
the Pwds. Some of the Pwds suggested that a wall mounted version of the home hub would be
preferable.
The handling of the mobile device by Pwds as well as informal carers turned out to be more difficult
than the operation of the home hub screen (CHH). Since the screen size of the mobile device is
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