THE SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN 

GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 

Under the provisions of the regulations for the degree 

MASTER OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

on

Wednesday, Dec 16th  2022

10:00 a.m. –11:30 a.m. EST

online

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OTJkNWFjNDgtZDFiYi00Y2FhLWEzZTQtMzhjZjc0NWQ5NWNk%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22482198bb-ae7b-4b25-8b7a-6d7f32faa083%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22779ba09c-d78b-4338-b18b-387b72379c84%22%7d

Hanxiao Du

will present a thesis defense entitled,

“Designing a Customizable Tangible TV Remote Control for Seniors with Mild Cognitive Impairments” 

Advisor:

Dr. Leila Aflatoony, Assistant Professor, School of Industrial Design

Committee:

Timothy Purdy, Senior Lecturer, School of Industrial Design

Jennifer DuBose, Principal Research Associate, School of Architecture

Faculty and students are invited to attend this presentation. 

Abstract

Older Adults diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) have difficulty completing complex tasks due to memory deterioration and slow task performance. Smart home electronics and interfaces can be challenging to use for this population due to the demanding interaction levels and complex functionalities of these devices. Studies have shown that tangible interfaces have high acceptance and preference by older adults compared to 2D interfaces and illustrated the benefit of configurable and customizable interfaces and haptic input components.

This master thesis aims to rethink how to design and evaluate a customizable and configurable tangible TV remote control for older adults with MCI. The device allows users to customize their remote control based on their personal needs and preferences and choose interaction types, functions, and components. We initiated the study by collecting users’ needs and insights via survey and conducted a co-design workshop with users to develop their tangible remote control. Finally, we developed a functional prototype and conducted a usability testing session with the users to understand the usability and usefulness of the prototype. The promising result of this study shows the benefit of tangible interfaces in supporting older adults with MCI by simplifying their tasks while using complex electronic devices. We anticipate that tangible interfaces could be beneficial to other similar populations (e.g., early-stage dementia or Alzheimer’s disease) and applicable to developing other complex electronic devices.