Final Evaluation: Walter Crompton

The TV Interface

Definite improvement from the last time I saw it. I see you took onboard my concerns about interrupting my TV programme. I like the split screen idea! Would have been nice however if didn’t have to keep switching between TV and Homecare remote. They both use the same TV so why not the same remote? Guess it means can’t accidentally turn on the toilet light when trying to put on match of the day!

Navigation Options

Seems pretty straight forward to use, I reckon I could pick it up quite quickly. The clear pictures to identify each option help. The text can be a bit fuzzy with my eyesight.

It would be difficult to make too many mistakes when there are only a few buttons that I have to click. It’s not like this darn mobile phone my daughter insists I carry. I’ve not got a clue what half the buttons do on that thing!

Referring to the Menus

Pretty self explanatory, each menu does what it says on the tin. Simple, I like it.

Home Shopping

Well, least I can potentially use it now. Before you said it would need a credit card which I don’t even have. I would certainly like to use the feature, it’s a bit of a chore doing the shopping, especially with my dodgy hip.

I’m just bit cornered it looks little complicated to use still. Maybe if the chap who installs the systems helps me setup an initial shopping list I would get some use out of it.

Final observations

Certainly better than last time I saw it. Glad see addressed some of my concerns such as interrupting TV program and not being able to pay for shopping. I reckon I would buy the system if it’s not to expensive.

The external scenarios

Fire Scenario

I’m certainly not going to be sleeping through any fires. I’ve already got fire alarms installed and with this system as well, I think I’ll be more concerned about being deafened by all the alarm noise than the actual fire! Guess it's better to be safe than sorry.

Falling and conscious

This might be useful, I see the button has been changed since the initial design I saw. That should help with accidentally triggering the alarm. It’s still not going to be much use if I fall on the remote however.

Falling and unconscious

How long would it take before the system actually considers me unconscious? I don’t like the idea of a day passing before it thinks there might be a problem!

On the other hand, if its triggers after only a few hours how will it know if I’m unconscious or if I've simply taken an afternoon nap after a few ales? I don’t want my friends being constantly hassled to come check on me.

Issues derived from this analysis

• Walter is generally happy with the changes that have been made, primarily the split screen and shopping payment options. He is more likely to buy the homecare system with the alterations made.
• The complexities of the shopping system are still a concern. He would very much like to use the feature, but fears he wouldn’t be able to operate it. However, since it is a relatively complex task, it is difficult to simplify it down any further without sacrificing functionality. Training by the installer, rather than alteration to the system, would appear to be the solution.
• There is still concern about the use of the alarm function if the user was to fall on the remote. There is little that can be done to solve this problem. While not ideal, the system will trigger an alarm eventually because of the lack of movement.
• Issues have been highlighted about time it takes for a motionless person to be considered at danger and an alarm triggered. People do not like the possibility of days passing before anyone realises there is a problem. Alternatively, a short timer may trigger many undesirable false alarms.