| Abstract |
This presentation describes the development and the validation of an ambient system (AAL-VU) that empowers chronically diseased users in self-management of daily activities and social connectedness. The system combines state-of-the-art psychological knowledge for sustained behavior change with ICT in suggesting an adaptive ambient solution for the prevention and management of sedentary behavior and loneliness, thus resulting in a higher quality of life. Specifically, the AAL-VU system stimulates beneficial levels of activity as well as social connectedness. The focus on physical and social connectedness was chosen as this is recognized as a crucial element for the prevention, cure, and management of many chronic illnesses. The AAL-VU approach integrates a variety of strategies that are tailored towards chronically diseased individuals by taking relevant personal, social, and environmental factors into consideration. One of the main challenges in common AAL solutions is the acceptance of the systems by the users. A design for all approach was used in the system development with several template user groups including elderly persons as a so called 'bellwether' user group. To emphasize the benefit and convenience for the user, the AAL-VU system introduces a virtual 3D coach that mediates person input and system output and presents itself in a personalized, credible, easy to handle, and enjoyable way. Contrary to many available ICT solutions that failed to attract a sustained end user acceptance, the system applies advanced motivational models and involves the user in the design process. It thus turns traditional AAL from head to toe by giving control back to the user and by ascertaining deliberate and enjoyable use of the technology and interaction between all the actors in the social-health care delivery chain.
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