The table below summarises the technologies which have been used across the TAPPI2 testbeds, highlighting some of the key advantages and disadvantages of different kinds of technologies.
Trialled by: Haringey; Wiltshire
Easy to use; readily available on the commercial market; can connect to many household items that might otherwise be difficult to use for those with health problems, and therefore boosts independence; useful for providing reminders (such as to take medication); may feel like ‘company’.
May be set-up challenges; requires good connectivity; requires several other technologies (such as smart bulbs) to provide full benefits; can be difficult to use with speech issues.
Trialled by: Haringey
Easy to use for people with mobility issues, it provides a sense of independence by enabling people to do household tasks.
Some need to be controlled through a smart phone, which can be challenging for those with limited digital skills.
Trialled by: Haringey; Southend; Platform; Wiltshire
Boost confidence and independence by enabling people to go out for longer, or on their own; enhance a feeling of safety.
May send false alerts; they only work if they have a good, reliable service behind them.
Trialled by: Haringey; Southend; Platform; Wiltshire
Can improve a sense of safety, prevent people from rushing to the door, and therefore reduce the risk of falls.
Requires good connectivity; demands extra fees for subscription to fully function; may require payment of a maintenance fee.
Trialled by: Haringey; Platform
Can alert people with hearing impediments to things such as doorbells being rung, or fire alarms being triggered.
Only works if positioned in a highly visible location.
Trialled by: Haringey; Platform; Wiltshire
Easy to use; boosts independence by enabling people to carry out everyday tasks themselves, which might otherwise be difficult.
There may be set-up and maintenance challenges.
Trialled by: Bield; Southend; Haringey
Can be useful for preventing health deterioration (e.g., by picking up on issues early); may provide peace of mind to tenants and families; data can be used to tailor care services to needs.
People may feel sensors are invading their privacy; some designs are less intrusive than others.
Trialled by: Bield; Platform; Haringey; Wiltshire
Improve a sense of safety and independence; could reduce time waiting for help in the event of a fall by alerting staff more quickly.
May require good connectivity; some designs are more user-friendly than others; sensitivity levels may cause issues, and an initial trial and error period, as well as regular check-ins and reassurance for users, will likely be needed.
Trialled by: Platform; Wiltshire
Easy to use; reduce the need for lifting; boost independence by enabling people to do some activities for themselves, which otherwise may be difficult.
Still needs someone to fill it, it is not big enough for people’s preferences.
Trialled by: Wiltshire; Bield
Enables people to keep track of how much they are drinking and provides data to care providers to prevent dehydration.
Some people prefer a larger sized cup (any cup, smart or not, needs to be designed around the user); automatic data collection may need supplementing with manual entries if connectivity in the building is not seamless.
Trialled by: Wiltshire; Platform; Haringey
Can be used to take advantage of several online opportunities, including entertainment, socialising, financial wellbeing, and others.
Difficult to use for people with low levels of digital skills; it requires ongoing training and support; requires good connectivity; and there are risks of online harm.
Trialled by: Southend
Useful for non-verbal people to communicate how they feel; reduces reliance on subjective assumptions.
Trialled by: Southend, Bield, Platform
Provides an overview of data to inform care; useful for preventing health deterioration by enabling issues to be spotted early.
Need a designated staff to monitor the data; interoperability can present a challenge.
Trialled by: Platform; Pobl; Southend; Wiltshire
Can provide entertainment in a communal setting; can bring people together for socialisation; may make information more accessible.
Difficult for people with shaky hands; some users with low levels of digital literacy may view them as too complicated.
Trialled by: Wiltshire (provided by housing provider Housing 21); Platform
Enables communication between residents and staff within the building.
Complicated for some users; touch-screens can be difficult to use, especially for people with shaky hands.
Trialled by: Haringey
Enables non-verbal people to communicate by typing; allows people to express themselves; can be set up with frequently used pre-set phrases.
Requires prompts to use the app; may depend on which carer is present.