How technologies were chosen varied across the testbeds. Some testbeds used occupational therapists or TAPPI project managers, who spoke with residents about their needs and recommended particular technologies to meet their individual needs. Co-production occurred across the testbed sites in order to discuss which technologies people felt would be suitable for them and to involve residents in service design.
Key findings from the evaluation of the TAPPI project are:
There is no one-size-fits-all solution
The six testbeds used a wide variety of technologies in their projects, including: voice-controlled virtual assistants; GPS pendants; tablets; falls detectors; and a range of sensors. While a number of benefits and limitations were identified for each of the technologies installed, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, with individuals’ diverse needs and preferences shaping the kinds of technologies which are appropriate for them.
I stopped using computers a bit because of my disease. Sometimes I make mistakes or take longer because Parkinson's also causes slowness in tasks and touch sensitivity issues, you lose the sense of urgency. This limitation restricts my possibilities.
Resident, Haringey
Ease of use is crucial
Technologies which are easy to use and which fit easily into a person’s everyday routine tend to be favoured. Where technologies are seen as too complicated, they may not get used. Ensuring that a technology not only meets people’s needs and aspirations, but also complements their level of digital literacy and desire to learn to use technologies, is essential.
Life has actually been easier since I had a ‘Smart Speaker’. Because just having the lights switched on with that is just amazing. Because now I don't have to twist and turn to reach the light switch when I'm in bed if I'm on the opposite side, it's not so much [of a] pain.
Resident, Wiltshire
Design of technologies must take into account diverse needs
Some technologies can be difficult to use for people with some health conditions or disabilities. For instance, touch-screens, or sensitive buttons, may be difficult to use for people with shaky hands. In order to be beneficial, technologies need to account for the diverse needs of older or disabled people, and for their preferences. Indeed, technologies with an unappealing or clinical design may be off-putting.
I had the sensors everywhere. The little square boxes that plug in [to electrical sockets], but they were so big that they were pushing [my appliances forward]. I need the room because my hands shake a lot, and the longer the day goes on, the more they shake… I just found it was getting difficult to get things out of my cooker and the microwave because the device was pushing them forward.
Resident, Southend
The table below summarises the technologies which have been used across the TAPPI testbeds, highlighting some of the key advantages and disadvantages of different kinds of technologies.
Voice-controlled virtual assistants (such as the Amazon Alexa)
Trialled by: Haringey; Wiltshire
Advantages
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’.
Disadvantages
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.
Robotic vacuum cleaner
Trialled by: Haringey
Advantages
Easy to use for people with mobility issues, it provides a sense of independence by enabling people to do household tasks.
Disadvantages
Some need to be controlled through a smart phone, which can be challenging for those with limited digital skills.
Can improve a sense of safety, prevent people from rushing to the door, and therefore reduce the risk of falls.
Disadvantages
Requires good connectivity; demands extra fees for subscription to fully function; may require payment of a maintenance fee.
Beacons
Trialled by: Haringey; Platform
Advantages
Can alert people with hearing impediments to things such as doorbells being rung, or fire alarms being triggered.
Disadvantages
Only works if positioned in a highly visible location.
Remotely controlled appliances (including lights, electrical sockets, doors, and curtains)
Trialled by: Haringey; Platform; Wiltshire
Advantages
Easy to use; boosts independence by enabling people to carry out everyday tasks themselves, which might otherwise be difficult.
Disadvantages
There may be set-up and maintenance challenges.
Sensors, including movement, heat, humidity, and mattress sensors, etc.
Trialled by: Bield; Southend; Haringey
Advantages
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.
Disadvantages
People may feel sensors are invading their privacy; some designs are less intrusive than others.
Falls detectors
Trialled by: Bield; Platform; Haringey; Wiltshire
Advantages
Improve a sense of safety and independence; could reduce time waiting for help in the event of a fall by alerting staff more quickly.
Disadvantages
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.
Tip kettles
Trialled by: Platform; Wiltshire
Advantages
Easy to use; reduce the need for lifting; boost independence by enabling people to do some activities for themselves, which otherwise may be difficult.
Disadvantages
Still needs someone to fill it, it is not big enough for people’s preferences.
Hydration cups
Trialled by: Wiltshire; Bield
Advantages
Enables people to keep track of how much they are drinking and provides data to care providers to prevent dehydration.
Disadvantages
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.
Tablets
Trialled by: Wiltshire; Platform; Haringey
Advantages
Can be used to take advantage of several online opportunities, including entertainment, socialising, financial wellbeing, and others.
Disadvantages
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.
Pain checker (such as PainChek)
Trialled by: Southend
Advantages
Useful for non-verbal people to communicate how they feel; reduces reliance on subjective assumptions.
Disadvantages
Care platforms (such as Amba, Miicare, and Anthropos)
Trialled by: Southend, Bield, Platform
Advantages
Provides an overview of data to inform care; useful for preventing health deterioration by enabling issues to be spotted early.
Disadvantages
Need a designated staff to monitor the data; interoperability can present a challenge.
Magic tables and touch-screen notice boards
Trialled by: Platform; Pobl; Southend; Wiltshire
Advantages
Can provide entertainment in a communal setting; can bring people together for socialisation; may make information more accessible.
Disadvantages
Difficult for people with shaky hands; some users with low levels of digital literacy may view them as too complicated.
Wall-mounted call systems (such as Appello)
Trialled by: Wiltshire (provided by housing provider Housing 21); Platform
Advantages
Enables communication between residents and staff within the building.
Disadvantages
Complicated for some users; touch-screens can be difficult to use, especially for people with shaky hands.
Communication app
Trialled by: Haringey
Advantages
Enables non-verbal people to communicate by typing; allows people to express themselves; can be set up with frequently used pre-set phrases.
Disadvantages
Requires prompts to use the app; may depend on which carer is present.
