Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6861126 | International Journal of Human-Computer Studies | 2014 | 29 Pages |
Abstract
Children undergoing long-term hospital care face problems of isolation from their familiar home and school environments. This isolation has an impact on the emotional wellbeing of the child. In this paper we report on research that explores the design of technologies that mitigate some of the negative aspects of separation, while respecting the sensitivities of the hospital, school and home contexts. We conducted design workshops with parents, teachers and hospital staff and found that there was a strong desire for mediated connection, but also a significant need to protect privacy and avoid disruption. In response we designed a novel technology that combined an ambient presence with photo-sharing to connect hospitalised children with schools and families. This paper reports on the field trial of the technology. The research provides new insights into how technology can support connectedness and provides a foundation for contributing to the wellbeing of children and young people in sensitive settings.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Authors
Greg Wadley, Frank Vetere, Liza Hopkins, Julie Green, Lars Kulik,