Human Factor in Designing an Elderly Care Ecosystem

Abstract

This chapter provides a brief overview of the demographic evolution and aging process, introducing a collaborative framework to assist senior citizens. The importance of supporting the age-related care needs, and the potential technologies for aging support are highlighted. A conceptual model for an elderly care ecosystem (ECE) and methods for care service personalization and evolution based on a collaborative environment are presented. To facilitate the consideration of human factors in the early design stage of ECE, a care need goals taxonomy and human-centered design principles are introduced. Customer, service, and service provider template profiles to design the elderly care ecosystem are proposed. Experimental results and feedback from lead users are presented and discussed. The goal of the ECE framework is to provide assistance in service recommendation (and adaptation) for the elderly care domain taking into account human factors.