Background to the CUSTODIAN Project
1 Background to the CUSTODIAN Project
The CUSTODIAN (Conceptualisation
for User involvement in Specification and Tools Offering the
Delivery of system Integration Around home Networks) project
is funded by the European Commission under the TIDE programme
and is managed by the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. The
project has a multidisciplinary team
who are derived from various backgrounds (see Introduction).
The whole premise of the TIDE programme is that technology has
an important role to play in addressing the problem of the increasing
cost of care due to the demographic changes throughout Europe
and in enabling greater independence and participation in society
for disabled and elderly people. The challenges to be met if
this is to be realised are diverse but a key issue is how are
the appropriate technological solutions to be introduced where
they are needed.
2 The General Overview of CUSTODIAN
A portable computer based
system has been conceived that will enable the visualisation
of different technical options to facilitate the process of defining
a home network based solution for a particular case. It will
further be used to collate and manage the information and expertise
that needs to be brought to bear on the whole decision making
process governing the introduction of such a system. A key interaction
in this process is between the process facilitator (the user
of the developed tool), the purchaser and the envisaged functionality
of the develped software applications.
The tool enables a simulated home network system to be rapidly
created while discussion is on going with the end user and other
stakeholders. The system is conceived in such a way that the
proposed description can be viewed and modified as the consultation
process is on going.
At any point in the development of the specification, the tool
can be used to facilitate users and other professionals' involvement
in this process. A simulation model can be used to demonstrate
what happens given key scenarios. These features are key to engaging
the users in the process and coming to a specification for an
individual.
3 Aims of the Project
CUSTODIAN aims to empower
strategic decision-makers, carers and medical practitioners and
facilitate communication between these sectors and the designers,
providers and installers of 'smart home' technology. The product
of the project will be a software tool designed to ensure that
the needs of individual end users are sensitively met in a way,
which reflects their social circumstance, care, medical and institutional
needs and resource constraints. The project is aimed at meeting
the needs of adults' number of differing levels of disabilities,
most of whom will already be in receipt of care services.
The use of the completed CUSTODIAN tool will involve the evolution
from the analysis of individual user need, to spatial and network
design, product specification and, importantly, the costing of
'smart home' systems. The project will also involve the establishment
of a network of 'Process Facilitators', with backgrounds in the
care sector, who will be able to make informed decisions on the
design of systems for adults with acquired brain injuries and
other disabilities.
Smart
Thinking: Socio-Medical and Assistive technological Research
for Today
The
Independent Health Research Consultancy
