Designing ApplTree: usable scheduling software for people with cognitive impairments

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 four months. They received push notifications for at least two months and no push notifications for at least two 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 4 of the 5 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.

Perspective Chapter: Digital Assistive Technologies

“…From diversity in the infrastructure to virtual networks (adapted from Vimarlund V., Kock S. 2016) [15]. through monitoring or follow-up, or to detect and respond to potential emergencies), and to enable individuals to remain active, socially connected, and independent [15,[26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33] (see Table 3).…”

Assessment of time-related deficits in older adults: a scoping review protocol

“…29 30 With increasing understanding of the importance of time-related abilities on performance of daily activities, several interventions are being investigated to help people with cognitive impairments orient and navigate time and do their daily activities. These include reality orientation, 31 high-tech assistive devices such as time aids, automatic calendars, 22 32 33 electronic devices, 34 mobile-based applications 35 and low-tech assistive devices such as paper-based calendars, 36 routine organisers, 37 and training to improve organisational skills and habits. 38 39 The provision of interventions require the use of sound assessments to screen, evaluate or identify the nature and severity of time-related cognitive deficits and their impact on performance of daily activities.…”

AppReminders – a pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial of a memory aid app for people with acquired brain injury

“…Research exploring smartphone users with ABI has highlighted that memory and attention difficulties prevent people from making effective use of reminding apps (Jamieson et al, 2015 ; Jamieson, Cullen, et al, 2022 ; Wong et al, 2017 ). Potential barriers to uptake and use of assistive technology include difficulty initially learning to use them, forgetting or losing motivation to use them, and not being supported by caregivers (de Joode, van Boxtel, et al, 2012 ; Jamieson et al, 2017 ; Juengst et al, 2021 ).…”