Living labs an arena for development and testing Ambient Assisted Living technology

Background: This gives an example of Living labs as an arena for development/testing Ambient Assisted Living technology (AAL-technology). The selected Living lab is part of an EU-supported development project in collaboration... [ view full abstract ]

Background:

This gives an example of Living labs as an arena for development/testing Ambient Assisted Living technology (AAL-technology). The selected Living lab is part of an EU-supported development project in collaboration with practice and concerns a Living lab that has developed an implementation model for an AAL-technology – toilets with douche and drying. (2)

Method:

The study involves Living lab as location for technology development/testing as well as user-driven approaches to obtain initial data. (1) Moreover, the study is based on process interviews, qualitative research interviews and ADL Taxonomy. (3)

Results:

Two out of three end users (young people with cerebral palsy) were self-reliant after implementation of toilets. In addition, the project shows that this implementation had a secondary effect. By experience of autonomy at the toilet enhanced motivation for autonomy in other everyday activities.

Conclusion:

Based on staff and end user interviews, the study were able to conclude that independence is the main motivation for using AAL-technology.

Application to Practice:

The results are now used at the municipality level in several areas. The project has provided a more user-driven view on implementation of technologies for the elderly and people with disabilities.

References



1. Schultz H. (2013) Living Labs. Velfærdsteknologi i sundhedsvæsenet. Gads Forlag. København

2. Törnquist K, Sonn U. ADL Taxonomien - bedömning av aktivitetsförmåga. [The ADL
Taxonomy - evaluation of ADL ability]. Nacka: Förbundet Sveriges Arbetsterapeuter; 2001

3. Veeramuthu Venkatesh, Journal of Information Technology, 2013: An Ambient Assisted Living for Smart Home to Wealthy Life Research