Methodological Designs Applied in the Development of Computer-Based Training Programs for the Cognitive Rehabilitation in People with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Mild Dementia. Systematic Review

Abstract

In recent years, different computer-based cognitive training (CT) programs for people with dementia (PwD) have been developed following a psychosocial approach. Aim: This systematic review aims to identify the methodological designs applied in the development of computer-based training (CCT) programs for the rehabilitation of cognitive functioning in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using the databases PubMed and PsycINFO. The search period was between 2000–2019. The study selection and data extraction processes were carried out by two independent reviewers. The protocol was registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under registration number CRD42020159027. Results: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The most frequently used methodological design in the development of CCT programs for people with MCI or mild dementia was the user-centered design (UCD). This design involves an interactive system characterized by the inclusion of end users from the initial stages of its development, throughout the establishment of functional requirements, and in the evaluation of the program’s usability and user-experience (UX). Conclusion: UCD was the most used methodological design for the development of CCT programs although there was quite some variation in how this design was applied. Recommendations for future studies about the development of CCT programs for people with MCI and mild dementia are given. Central focus should be the inclusion and active participation of end users from the initial stages of development.

Making the Best Out of IT: Design and Development of Exergames for Older Adults With Mild Neurocognitive Disorder – A Methodological Paper

“…When considering the design of computer-based cognitive training programs, the characteristics, needs, and experiences of the target population should be taken into account. A recent systematic review of Diaz Baquero et al (2021) synthesized, that most often, an end-user centered methodological design is adopted ( Diaz Baquero et al, 2021 ). Ideally, this process fulfills “the international standards proposed by ISO9241-210 ( International Organization for Standardization, 2019 ) for the development of programs: (1) understanding and specifying the context of use (type, characteristics and tasks of users, and physical or social environment), (2) specifying the user requirements, (3) producing design solutions, and (4) evaluating the design” ( Diaz Baquero et al, 2021 ).…”

“…A recent systematic review of Diaz Baquero et al (2021) synthesized, that most often, an end-user centered methodological design is adopted ( Diaz Baquero et al, 2021 ). Ideally, this process fulfills “the international standards proposed by ISO9241-210 ( International Organization for Standardization, 2019 ) for the development of programs: (1) understanding and specifying the context of use (type, characteristics and tasks of users, and physical or social environment), (2) specifying the user requirements, (3) producing design solutions, and (4) evaluating the design” ( Diaz Baquero et al, 2021 ). However, it was shown that only half of the studies took the standard ‘specification of user requirements’ into account ( Diaz Baquero et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Ideally, this process fulfills “the international standards proposed by ISO9241-210 ( International Organization for Standardization, 2019 ) for the development of programs: (1) understanding and specifying the context of use (type, characteristics and tasks of users, and physical or social environment), (2) specifying the user requirements, (3) producing design solutions, and (4) evaluating the design” ( Diaz Baquero et al, 2021 ). However, it was shown that only half of the studies took the standard ‘specification of user requirements’ into account ( Diaz Baquero et al, 2021 ). Diaz Baquero et al (2021) concluded that “it is therefore strongly recommended that future studies use an interactive and participatory design, including end users from the beginning of the pre-prototype development, carrying out evaluations in order to identify user requirements and, in turn, including them in the final development of the prototype” ( Diaz Baquero et al, 2021 ).…”

“…However, it was shown that only half of the studies took the standard ‘specification of user requirements’ into account ( Diaz Baquero et al, 2021 ). Diaz Baquero et al (2021) concluded that “it is therefore strongly recommended that future studies use an interactive and participatory design, including end users from the beginning of the pre-prototype development, carrying out evaluations in order to identify user requirements and, in turn, including them in the final development of the prototype” ( Diaz Baquero et al, 2021 ). Additionally, their finding indicates “the need to apply this methodology in a more standardized way” ( Diaz Baquero et al, 2021 ).…”

Limitations of the new ISO standard for health and wellness apps

“…A user-centred design process should increase the probability that an app is easy to use, but is no guarantee. 4 Evidence provided by app developers of good design process should be backed up by empirical evidence of user friendliness-ideally from independent expert-led evaluations-to justify an easy-to-use label. It is well established that ease of use is dependent on the context of use, as well as the goals and characteristics of the user.…”