The EU aim therefore, is SOPRANO request to identify technologies for elderly and operable to make the Internet and new information and communication media can make your life easier. While young people today the everyday use of technology by early to learn and intuitive to cope, older people are often little familiar with common software metaphors and interaction devices. While modern technologies offer just this group of users varied support to cope with the everyday life: from the reminder service to the medication over the automatic alarm, the stove eliminate up to the emergency activation in case of a fall. For seniors but actually can benefit from these opportunities, the interaction with the devices must meet the abilities and needs of the user group. The goal of the EU project SOPRANO is therefore, request to identify technologies for elderly and operable to make. To achieve this goal, the Fraunhofer IAO and the Cooperative Institute for human factors and technology management of the University of Stuttgart IAT developed concepts for the development of interaction devices, taking into account the needs of the end users at every stage. While the project partners have gone new ways: as the test subject, for example, against an imaginary guardian angel can express their ideas and wishes.
The theatre method on the other hand, actor in realistic everyday scenes enable memories and emotions of the user. This idea may occur even without technical knowledge. The computer has favoured the problem that the user acceptance of senior citizens is low and often not understood why the TV is currently in the research regarding the interaction devices. He is familiar with seniors and available in most cases anyway. Since the far-Seer but is in a room, he offers no interaction in other areas. The remote control also allows only limited functionality. Against this background, Fraunhofer IAO has developed a user interface concept for the TV and an additional touch screen for SOPRANO, which is indeed unusual, but intuitive and easy to use for the elderly. The concepts are co-ordinated and ensure ease of learning.
When designing the ILO experts have taken into account age-related factors such as Visual limitations or mild cognitive problems. The technical implementation of the concepts should be soon in three test environments, so-called living Labs, in the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom. In addition, the technology in up to 300 households in older persons is installed and evaluated. Speaking candidly Western Union told us the story. This field test will provide information on the acceptance and further research needs.
