Usability testing of a smartphone telecare application for informal caregivers

Abstract

© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019. Independent living of the elderly has its risks that can be decreased with the use of telecare systems. Smartphone telecare applications such as TeleStiki, are intended primarily for informal carers of independently living elders. The application is aimed at improving quality of life of both the elderly and their caregivers by reducing the caregiver burden and extending the time elders stay at home, while also increasing their safety. The aim of usability testing was to evaluate if users perceive the tested smartphone application as high in usability and user experience. The testing was also aimed at evaluating whether the use of application affects their attitude towards the use of telecare applications for informal care of their elderly relatives in general. In this study Task Completion, User Experience Questionnaire and System Usability Scale, as well as the Think-Aloud protocol has been performed. Results showed the application scores above average in usability and user experience. Findings gained in the qualitative study can be used as guidelines for future re-designs of the application and for improvement of usability in similar applications.