Yooom
Designing an elderly community platform for a telepresence device
Information
Author: Van Schie, A.P.M.
Contributor: Rusak, Z., Van Mourik, F.
Faculty: Industrial Design Engineering
Department: Industrial Design
Programme: Master of Science Design for Interaction
Type: Master thesis
Date: 13-12-2012
Keywords: Elderly | Telepresence | Interface | Communication | Platform | Social | Interaction | Virtual
Abstract
This master thesis describes the design of an elderly community platform for YoooM, a touchscreen telepresence device that is currently being put on the market. The objective of YoooM is to allow users the best possible contact over distance. To enable this, the system is equipped with two large screens and two cameras that give a life-sized panorama view of both upper and lower body of the conversation partner. This allows for communication through body language, which is essential for good contact. As the product enables users with small social networks or immobility problems to engage in social interactions, elderly are considered the main target group. The aim of this graduation project is to design a fitting interface that allows for optimal interaction between elderly within a virtual community environment.
After improving and further detailing the concept, usage scenarios were made to describe the envisioned use. The Wizard of Oz research method was then used to evaluate the usability of the menu functions in combination with giving specific tasks. The results show that a good balance has been found between keeping a low threshold for new users and giving more experienced users the possibility to attain a high level of interaction. Even though not all assignments were executed completely as intended, the users did indicate that by reading some more or getting some guidance, they could have found the right solution. This was also clearly related to the level of computer experience and age. Overall, the graphics were found to be clear as well as the design of text and buttons. Alternatives for the background of the park were also investigated. Key aspects were found to be an environment that feels personal, looks friendly, cheerful and is not too abstract. From the eight alternatives the park background was found to be most attractive together with a background showing a map of the Netherlands.
The final concept fits the target group and offers features to meet all of the set design guidelines. Elderly that participated in the user tests were content with the design, including its appearance, user friendliness and usefulness. The concept fulfils both parts of the design vision that was set, by giving users the possibility to overhear conversations and allowing users to form groups and write messages to each other. This namely creates and open, casual and trustworthy environment that stimulates regular meetings.
Throughout the design process, the concept has been tailored for YoooM to ensure that the concept fits well with the YoooM device itself. Moreover, the concept could not be implemented on just another device; it is especially designed to utilize the core features of YoooM. In order to make statements about implementation, the concept requires further detailing and validation through additional “live” research.
The most important design recommendation is to alter the ‘extra options’ menu that appears when pressing on a user in the park. This is important as the procedure of touching someone is currently not understood to be linked to all functions of this menu. The current research results do indicate feasibility which leads to believe that the devised concept can be turned into a successful product. The concept is believed to be of added value and to be a good step forward in tackling the overall issue of reducing loneliness among elderly.
