@HOME: Exploring the Role of Ambient Computing for Older Adults

• Published in: Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction. Multimodality and Assistive Environments pp. 491 - 505
• Main Author: Loi, Daria
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing
• Series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science
• Subjects: Ambient computing; Artificial intelligence; User experience
• ISBN: 3030235629; 9783030235628
• ISSN: 0302-9743; 1611-3349
• DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23563-5_39

Building on results of a recent global study as well as additional exploratory research focused on Aging in Place, this paper reflects on the role that intelligent systems and ambient computing may play in future homes and cities, with a specific emphasis on populations aged 65 and beyond. This paper is divided into five sections. The first section provides an introductory background, which outlines context, vision, and implications around the development of ambient computing and smart home technologies for the 65+ population. The second part of the paper overviews the methodological approaches adopted during the research activity at the center of this paper. The third section summarizes pertinent findings and a discussion on the opportunities offered by intelligent, ambient systems for the 65+ population follows. While this fourth section will specifically focus on the smart home, it will also provide reflections on opportunities and applications in the context of autonomous vehicles and smart cities. The fifth and last section offers conclusive remarks, including implications for developers and designers that are shaping ambient computing usages and technologies for the 65+ population. The paper ultimately advocates for adopting Participatory Design [1] approaches, to ensure that intelligent and ambient technologies are developed with (instead of for) end users.