Assignment task:
A couple of weeks ago, you recommended a memory fitness program to Arthur, who has Parkinson's that causes him to drool and have occasionally significant tremors. He is unable to drive and has the limitations of some hearing loss; he is really enjoying it and says he's benefiting from it. Now he would like to connect with family members and peers, who are scattered across the country, to share the program and his progress with them - essentially, he'd like to show them how it can work for them as well, and perhaps teach them how to use aspects of it.
Arthur has a difficult time talking on a land-line telephone because of his hearing loss, and his tremors make using a traditional smart phone difficult because the keyboard is too small and he doesn't have the dexterity to use them. He worries that he can't remember multiple user names and passwords (don't we all?), and is hesitant about putting personal information "out there in cyberspace."
Arthur and Mae both enjoy using email and the Internet (he plays chess and Scrabble with people around the world, and she shops, reads her local papers, and plays Words with Friends). Neither of them has expressed much interest in using Zoom or Skype, even though Elaine set it up for them and they know it's an easy way to visit with folks across the miles. They have enjoyed looking at pictures and videos that their friend Helen has shared on her iPad, and are amazed at its features and seeming ease of use, but they don't want to spend "thousands of dollars" on technology they're afraid they won't be able to use.
Given the chance, how would you make technology friendlier for Arthur to accomplish what he wants to do? If you could design a device that meets all of his needs, how would it be different from devices that already exist, or, if you could re-design an existing device, what would that look like? Want Professional Help?