User Requirements Capture for Adaptable Smarter Home Technologies
Richardson Simon J, Poulson David F, Colette Nicolle · Studies in health technology and informatics · 1993
The ASHoRED (TIDE 101) project has developed methodologies for the specification, development and assessment of adaptable smarter home technology with an emphasis on the needs of the visually impaired and the elderly. The approach has been user driven, supplemented by expert opinion, direct observation and prototyping. The approach has facilitated the development of innovative technologies and in particular the design of three different smart home demonstrators based in three different member states of the EEC. This paper describes the approach used within ASHoRED to develop the user requirements from ‘wish lists’ into low level product definition and actual requirements. It concludes that in the design of such technology user centred design involving domain experts and other stakeholders are necessary but not sufficient pre-requisites for success. Hands on experience using prototyping and systematic assessment techniques are also invaluable.