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peace of mind to their families and reduce the burden on professional
carers (Locomotion 2004).
The target users of the project were older people, the elderly with de-
mentia, people with learning disabilities and professional carers. Members
of the target group were recruited in the UK and in Germany to participate
in interviews and focus groups to identify requirements for products and
services. Participants were subsequently actively engaged in the physical
design of a product, development of mobile alarm services and a website
interface (Hawley 2004a).
Two prototype products were developed. The first consisted of a standard
mobile phone with location awareness using GPS (accurate to 50 metres),
which enabled members of the target groups and their carers to identify
their locations, and help them to find their way to unfamiliar destinations.
The other was a mobile tracking device with a single 'panic button' that
puts users in contact with a call centre.
Trials with 40 volunteers generated a positive response from the test us-
ers, none of whom had ever used mobile phones before but all of whom
noted the utility of the system. It was found to be especially useful for
people suffering from diseases such as Alzheimer's or those whose health
may be impaired but who wish to continue living independently. Users
also saw further advantages, for example using the location awareness sys-
tem to find the nearest pharmacy or hospital.
Professor Hawley from Barnsley District General Hospital (leading the
UK trials) explained “ there are people who have found it beneficial”, add-
ing that this was due to the engagement of “potential users, and obtaining
their opinions and ideas first ” (Hawley 2004).
This case makes clear the importance of the role of intended users in de-
signing ICTs for their use - and the value of their contributions. The ex-
ample shows this to be especially critical where users are vulnerable and
where the design has to meet the needs of two or more interacting parties -
as occurs routinely in a care situation.
5.3.6 WomenSpeak - Women Suffering Domestic Violence -
UK
WomenSpeak was an Internet-based consultation project involving survi-
vors of domestic violence, coordinated by Women's Aid and The Hansard
Society. The project was supported by The All Party Parliamentary Group
on Domestic Violence. Survivors talked directly to MPs about their ex-
periences and set out the agenda for “ what women want ” to ameliorate
their situation (Women's aid 2000).
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