Usable technology? Challenges in designing a memory aid with current electronic devices

Electronic devices such as personal digital assistants have been used successfully as aids for people with memory problems. However, limitations of currently available technology can create difficulties in the day-to-day use of such devices, particularly for memory impaired and older users. These limitations are discussed in terms of both the software and hardware issues, and are set into the context of challenges raised in the current study, which is to design a new interactive memory aid. It is concluded that a specific, customisable software interface is needed to meet the dynamic requirements of the user groups. This would also go some way to compensate for the hardware limitations until available technology becomes more usable.