Reminder Objects in the Connected Home of the Future and Beyond

• Main Authors: Martina Uhlig, Henrik Rieß, Peter Klein
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2017-12-01
• Series: Technologies
• Subjects: reminder objects; user-centered design; usability; user experience; human computer interaction; contextual design; scenario-based design; senses; sensory input and output; dementia; elderly people; smart home
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7080/6/1/1

This paper presents best practices on how to design reminder objects. Reminder objects are digitally augmented everyday objects that break down and communicate complex information via sensory input and output. In the first section of this paper, we introduce reminder objects—what they are and how they work. We then describe our understanding of computing and the interaction between humans and technology, in detail, in the second section. We then present our vision on how reminder objects can enrich the user’s experience by combining different objects. We then use the three following sections to showcase corresponding examples of our work in the previously described field. Next, three scenarios—people with dementia living an independent life at home, checking the weather, and navigating the city—will illustrate our understanding of reminder objects. The paper then concludes with a discussion of the presented work and an outlook regarding the future of reminder objects.