Using a smartphone app to connect users and designers
2012 Conference
Abstract:
Background: Smart phone technology is an innovative way of involving people in identifying issues related to the design of everyday household objects. The free mobile application “ifOnly” is designed to enable older people and those with disabilities to share the difficulties they encounter.
Methods: After consultation with users, the free mobile phone app “ifOnly” was launched and tested by a panel of 10 carers of those with chronic conditions new to smart phone technology.
This application lets users demonstrate through video and audio the problems they face, upload, and share this information and provide solutions and support for others. Phones and training were provided for individuals without smart phones.
Results: Video was easy to use but upload times and connectivity were problematic using 3G. The cost of iPhones was also prohibitive. V2 is now available for apple and android.
A webpage and twitter feed to connect application users with product designers has also been developed.
Conclusions: Smart phone applications can enable people to highlight problems they encounter. The application encourages feedback and inspires designers to develop innovative solutions for those with long term conditions.
A funding competition to fund joint working between designs, users and other stakeholders to address identified has been launched.
Authors
Austin ~ Lisa
Lisa Austin is the research manager for Bath Research and Development. She is qualified in project management and clinical research. Lisa is also the research manager for the University’s Department for Health and is currently undertaking a Professional Doctorate in Health.
View all articles by this authorRoberts ~ Sarah
Sarah Roberts is the Business Support Officer for Bath Research and Development (NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire) facilitating the research activity and supporting funding bids. Previously Sarah worked in a similar role at the School of Management, University of Southampton.
View all articles by this authorTaylor ~ Gordon
Gordon Taylor works within the RDS at the University of Bath. Gordon’s role within the unit is to instigate and provide collaborative support in the development of high quality research proposals. Gordon has considerable experience in all aspects of the research process from bringing together multi-disciplinary research groups to the dissemination of the results.
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