Abstract:

Drama on video is being used as a tool to investigate user requirements for a fall detector within the context of a monitoring system based on visual tracking. The system is being designed to have the ability to provide passive monitoring in the homes of older people so that in the case of a fall being detected, the emergency services are called automatically. As with any such system, it is important that its presence is seen as supportive and not invasive. Drama has been found to be an effective way to focus potential users on discussions about the usage of the system, prior to important design decisions being made. This paper reports on the first stage of an iterative process and the fall detector design decisions made as a result of discussions with potential user groups. Issues to be considered in future work are discussed briefly.