The design of a prospective memory aid for older adults - Multiminder

Abstract

Prospective memory (PM) refers to an individual's ability to remember to carry out tasks of delayed intention, such as remembering to attend a doctor's appointment. It was believed that the implementation of qualitative methods to examine older adults' lifestyle, needs and preferences would contribute to the design of a PM aid that older users would find both useful and user-friendly. This paper discusses the development of Multiminder, a PM aid with multiple reminder strategies; a calendar, memo pad, phonebook and timer. The research investigation consisted of a review of literature and current PM aids, a qualitative study using interview, observation and focus group methods, the conceptual and physical prototype design of Multiminder and prototype testing with older users. The results from the prototype testing suggest that the cognitive, physical and psychosocial needs and preferences of older adult users were supported by the PM aid and highlight the potential for the full development of Multiminder.