Abstract:

This paper reports on the methodological process of developing computer support for former psychiatric patients living in residential settings, for older members of the community and disabled people living at home. Methods for identifying user needs in such sensitive settings are underdeveloped and the situation presents a very complex set of design challenges. In particular, the highly personal character of such settings presents conventional observational techniques. Direct observation requires supplementation in sensitive settings. Accordingly this paper reports on the authors' experiences of adopting Cultural Probes to explore care settings, to develop design dialogue with participants and to gather information about their unique needs.