Designing ApplTree: usable scheduling software for people with cognitive impairments

Jamieson, M., Cullen, B. , Lennon, M., Brewster, S. and Evans, J. (2022) Designing ApplTree: usable scheduling software for people with cognitive impairments. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 17(3), pp. 338-348. (doi: 10.1080/17483107.2020.1785560)

Abstract

Background: Smartphone reminding applications can help overcome memory difficulties experienced by people with acquired brain injury (ABI). Cognitive difficulties with memory and attention make entering reminders into a device, and remembering to set reminders, challenging for this group. ApplTree is a reminding app with features that aim to address challenges. One app feature was push notifications (asking “Do you need to set any reminders?”) to support people to initiate use of the app to set reminders. Another app feature was a customisable user interface design to support attention and short term memory during reminder setting. Methods: In a mixed-methods user study, five people with self or other reported memory impairment following ABI used ApplTree for at least 4 months. They received push notifications for at least 2 months and no push notifications for at least 2 months. Monthly participant interviews provided insight into user interface preference, app use, and push notification acceptability. Results: Receiving four Push notifications per day doubled number of daily reminders set and four of the five participants found receiving them to be acceptable. This long-term field study uncovered issues relevant for clinicians and designers, including insights into the potential benefits of different user interface designs, the impact of family members on app use, and the importance of perceived need influencing use and acceptance. Conclusions: Feedback provided insight into future considerations when designing reminding apps and using them in neuropsychological rehabilitation. This work highlights the benefit of user-led research into accessible design and use of assistive technologies.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Jamieson, Dr Matthew and Evans, Professor Jonathan and Cullen, Dr Breda and Brewster, Professor Stephen
• Authors: Jamieson, M., Cullen, B., Lennon, M., Brewster, S., and Evans, J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing; College of Science and Engineering > School of Computing Science
• Journal Name: Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• ISSN: 1748-3107
• ISSN (Online): 1748-3115
• Published Online: 07 July 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor and Francis Group
• First Published: First published in Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology 17(3):338-348
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy