KOMP

Lead service provider/commissioner

Name:: No Isolation

Type of knowledge

Type of knowledge:: Project evaluation
Type of evaluation:: Outcome evaluation; Focus group; Interviews

Prevention service description

Modifying existing technology simply wasn't an option, so No Isolation worked with older people, families and designers to work out exactly what KOMP needed to feature to work for its target user. By conducting extensive research into how seniors interacted with technology, No Isolation found that touch screens were not intuitive, and for some, not receptive, to the fingertips of the elderly - which led to KOMP only having one large, graspable button. To avoid confusion, the user can switch the device off and on by twisting the button, as well as change the KOMP’s volume by rotating it. When designing KOMP, No Isolation also took into account the fact that many older people are affected by as much as an 80% reduction in eyesight, which is why KOMP’s screen measures at 17’’, with high contrasts, to make sure that all messages and images are seen as clearly as possible. KOMP’s speakers are also designed by accounting for reduced hearing in older age, delivering crisp, high quality sound.

They also learnt that being exposed to a new communication tool without prior experience can be frustrating and initial failures, discouraging. As such, KOMP was designed to be a one-way communication tool, rendering pre-existing digital skills unnecessary. By, for instance, removing all username and passwords, KOMP is immediately easy to grasp, giving seniors a sense of mastery over a piece of technology during a time of their lives where a lot of things can feel out of their control. Consequently, KOMP ensures seamless communication within the family, while focusing on the needs of older people. The screen is placed at the older person’s house, and family and friends can connect and share content through an app. When the KOMP is turned on, the user will receive the messages and pictures sent throughout the day.