@inbook{15fb0a61056a4768a1df6f1521135bde,
title = "Making software accessible for users with dementia",
abstract = "This chapter details the development of CIRCA - a computer-based system designed to assist people with dementia-related cognitive impairment (and their carer-givers) by prompting and supporting conversation in dementia-related care. ",
keywords = "Dementia, Computer software, User interfaces, Interaction design",
author = "Norman Alm and Richard Dye and Arlene Astell and Maggie Ellis and Gary Gowans and Jim Campbell",
note = "This chapter details the development of CIRCA - a computer-based system designed to assist people with dementia-related cognitive impairment (and their carer-givers) by prompting and supporting conversation in dementia-related care. The system uses multimedia design and touch-screen technology to promote an engaging form of reminiscence therapy supporting non-pharmacological intervention, directly addressing {\textquoteleft}improved quality of life{\textquoteright} in the dementia-care environment. The goal was to develop an interactive system to assist people with dementia in having more effective and satisfying interaction with family, friends and caregivers. The project combined multi-disciplinary knowledge in design, computing and psychology. Gowans provided interface design expertise and was equally responsible with co-authors for content of the chapter. CIRCA is unique in dementia intervention as it introduces Human Computer Interaction to a user-group who would not normally be considered 'technologically able' ie elderly people with cognitive impairment. 40 people with dementia and 30 carers from a variety of care environments were involved in testing throughout the duration of the project. The data, which was transcribed by the highly experienced psychology team, informed the design development and the results of user-testing garnered international acclaim. A Japanese video-phone prototype has been developed with the Kyoto Institute of Advanced Technology and the team are currently in discussion with BUPA as part of a wider strategy to commercialise this research. An extensive publications record focused on the needs of different research communities, documents various aspects of this project, and is detailed in the portfolio of evidence. This includes: The 8th International Conference on Alzheimer{\textquoteright}s Disease and Related Disorders, 20-25 July 2002, Stockholm; ACM International Conference on Universal Usability, Vancouver, 10-11 November 2003; Communication Matters CM2003 National Symposium, 14-16 September 2003, Lancaster University; Futureground, Design Research Society, Melbourne, November 2004. ",
year = "2007",
language = "English",
isbn = "9780470027271",
pages = "299--316",
editor = "Jonathan Lazar",
booktitle = "Universal usability: designing computer interfaces for diverse user populations",
publisher = "Wiley",
address = "United States",
}