The study reviewed 24 products, interviewed five health experts, had three design experts rate four prototypes and tested them with 15 older adults. Experts preferred Prototype 3, whereas users rated Prototype 4 highest, showing why real-user input can change design choices.
Key findings
- Experts prioritized temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, activity, oxygen and sleep. Prototype 3 led expert ratings, while older users favored Prototype 4 for clear information (4.93), modernity (4.80) and color/texture (4.73).
Why this matters globally
Ageing societies need products that do not assume working-age vision, dexterity or digital literacy. The user-centered framework can set requirements before engineering development.
Thai researcher contribution
Chiang Mai University industrial-design and architecture researchers brought Thai health experts and older users into the design process.
Limitations to consider
Five health experts, three design experts and 15 users are small samples. Novelty may inflate satisfaction, with no market comparator, long-term task test, sensor accuracy, multidisability accessibility, safety or health outcome evidence.