CUHTec: the Centre for Usable Home Technology

ABSTRACT

CUHTec is a joint venture initiated by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the University of York in September 2003. CUHTec promotes a user-centred approach to the development of appropriate information and communication technology for use in the home. Within this broad focus consideration will be given to technology to enable people with disabilities and the elderly to live independently. CUHTec draws on research skills in Psychology, Computer Science and Electronics. An important part of the Centre will be the Responsive Home, a fully-equipped house that will be used for both the development and the demonstration of new products and systems.

REFERENCES

• 1: Blythe, M and Monk, A.F. (Submitted) Designing the Net Neighbours interface: helping volunteers widen access to the internet. Submitted to CHI 2004 late breaking results.
• 2: Blythe, M., Net Neighbours (2003) Dependability, accessibility and online shopping for older people. HCI 2003 workshop "Designing For Civil Society" Available online at http://partnerships.typepad.com/civic/ bath_workshopl <http://partnerships.typepad.com/civic/bath_workshop/index.html>
• 3: Doughty, K., Cameron. K. and Garner, P (1996) Three generations of telecare of the elderly, Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 2, 71--80.
• 4: J. Reed , Andrew Monk, Using familiar technologies in unfamiliar ways and learning from the old about the new, Universal Access in the Information Society, v.3 n.2, p.114-121, June 2004 [doi>10.1007/s10209-004-0090-1]
• 5: Wright, P.C. and McCarthy, J.C. (2003) Making sense of experience. In Blythe, M., Monk, A.F., Overbeeke, C. and Wright, Funology: From usability to user enjoyment. Kluwer.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.3 Group and Organization Interfaces
          Subjects: Collaborative computing

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Reliability

Keywords:
children, elderly, entertainment, home, smart environments, ubiquitous computing, universal access