A user-centred design process to develop technology to improve sleep quality in residential care homes

摘要

Poor sleep is common amongst older people living in residential care facilities. Solutions based on pharmacologicalntherapies and improved nursing care have been investigated, but to date no co-ordinated analysis of the potential of technology tonimprove sleep quality has been undertaken in this context. To explore this area, this study applied a four-stage user-centred designnprocess, which included identification and prioritisation of areas of need; exploration of design requirements; and development ofnphysical prototypes. A relational model has been developed mapping major factors that contribute to poor sleep to specific areasnof user need. Potential solutions to address difficulties with nocturnal anxiety and relaxation were identified, refined, developednand trialled with participants. Results indicate that the solutions may help improve sleep quality and provide evidence of thenusefulness of the user-centred design process.