Key factors in the engineering process for systems for aging in place contributing to low usability and success

Purpose – Telecare systems are not being adopted as hoped. This paper synthesizes the results of three studies exploring factors during the development of telecare systems for older people that might later impact acceptance and uptake, and describes how these fit together. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative methods, including ethnographic observation, document analysis, semi-structured interviews, were used to gather rich data about two particular telecare systems. These findings were extended via interviews, two workshops and an interactive poster, with a broad range of people experienced in telecare projects. Thematic analysis was used to identify common factors across cases and participants. Findings – The findings point to a broad range of interconnected factors, including the way in which using sensors in telecare affects the development of these systems, and the trade-offs that come with funding. Originality/value – These studies were the first to explore the development process of these types of systems. The results support more successful outcomes in the future, both by helping people involved in the development of these systems to avoid some of the issues involved and by providing researchers with points for further study.