Redesign ideas

Okay, I'm pulling together all the possible redesign areas I've noted from the prototype evaluations into one post. Feel free to add to any of them if I've missed something.

Scenario 1

• Users require some kind of reassurance that their actions are being monitored in a limited, non-privacy breaching manner
• Customisable list of emergency contacts?
• Regular and frequent re-dialling/contacting in the event of being unable to reach a contact?
• Time periods for e.g. waiting the length of time before alerting an emergency contact should be shorter/refined?
• Need to ensure emergency contact won't be called just because a user has fallen asleep somewhere - perhaps alert user to give chance to cancel alarm?
  
• Pets - mustn't trigger motion sensor!
  

Scenario 2

• Concerns of being both conscious and unable to access the alarm button somehow. What then?
  

Scenario 3

• Users appear to be concerned that the sensors for fire/gas etc. may be too sensitive and trigger alarms when not required. Also links to worries about phone bill being excessive.
  
• If there are multiple people in the home, just one remote?
• Raising the alarm for fire etc. via the remote - only the remote carrier will hear. A problem in houses with multiple residents?
• Control volume of speaker on remote for the hard of hearing?
• Must clarify how sensors etc. are powered. Battery requires replacement; mains may be expensive.
  

System Interface

• There is potential for confusion in switching between the actual TV channels and the system interface. A clearer route required for switching between the two, or . . .
  
• Perhaps a 'sidebar' menu rather than full screen menu, to allow for split-screen access?
• Both a TV and the homecare remote required?
  

System Features - Manage My Home

• System should be customisable to individual homes.
• Add control for hot water?
• Timer control for heating/water?
• Appliances/lights/heating etc. should still be accessible in the normal way.
  

System Features - Shopping

• Generally seems too complicated, but the idea is liked by some personas who are in need.
• Users concerned about security/access to bank accounts etc.
• Some elderly users won't have bank accounts?
• Current inability to pick a particular shop to buy from?
• Will become tedious and repetitive if shopping list is essentially the same every week and requires ordering at the same regular time. Possibly automate the whole thing and set up along with the system?
• Users typically either want to rely on this or don't want to use it at all. Could prove difficult to cater to all?
  

Remote Design

• Alarm button - too complicated to activate at present, particularly if particular disabilities are taken into account.
• Sliding button?
• Cover for the button to avoid accidental pressing?
• Voice activation/confirmation?
• Speaker says something like "Do you really wish to contact help? Please confirm by pressing the alarm button once more" ?
  
• Speaker volume control?
• Possibly allow for reception as well as output of sound? (Could integrate voice activation then with the alarm button)
• Needs to be light, reasonably small and non-bulky, or provide alternative means of carrying?
  
• Doesn't require removal from the house the system is in?
• Possibly add a function that allows users to find the remote if they misplace it? E.g. 'find remote' on interface or set top box, triggers a loud beeping from remote speaker?