Scenario-based Drama as a Tool for Investigating User Requirements with Application to Home Monitoring for Elderly People

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. A system providing fall detection and movement monitoring to support elderly people living at home is being developed using computer vision technology (Nait-Charif & McKenna, 2003). Demographics and the costs of care clearly indicate the need for such systems. They must be sensitively designed with user involvement to ensure that the