SensorEase: Designing to Achieve Acceptance of the WanderSearch Location Device
Authors:   , Meads Samantha 
Published: June 2024

<p><strong>The WanderSearch location device is worn by people with cognitive impairments who are at risk of wandering. The device helps to locate the wearer if they were to get lost while wandering. 49% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) over the age of four and 60% of people living with dementia have exhibited wandering behaviour at least once (Anderson et al., 2012; Wandering, n.d.). Several parents of ASD children have reported wandering attempts once a week, and in some cases, multiple times a day (Anderson et al., 2012). Wandering is a cause for concern, as studies show that wandering increases the risk of injuries and death due to weather exposure and traffic accidents (Anderson et al., 2012; Landau et al., 2010a). The WanderSearch location device is worn to mitigate these risks. In doing so, this provides safety for wearers and peace of mind for caregivers. This research used a human-centred design methodology to investigate why users may not be accepting the device, and to propose design improvements. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with caregivers of people who wear the WanderSearch device and WanderSearch experts. This was to gain a broad understanding of the experiences with the device. The data from semi-structured interviews was analysed through Affinity diagrams. This allowed for the data to be categorised into clear themes to move forward in the design process. Initial concepts in the design process were created through sketches and clay models. Manufacturers were contacted to ensure the concepts were feasible. From here, concepts were developed into 3D digital models and 3D prints.</strong></p><p>Initial findings showed that WanderSearch device wearers had different experiences with the device. Some wearers accepted the device without issues, while others removed the device and refused to wear it. The experiences varied between people with dementia and children with ASD. People with dementia were more likely to be in denial about needing to wear the device or they would forget to wear it. ASD children were more likely to have sensory issues with the device or would chew on the device. Children with ASD also faced stigma from other children. However, the aesthetics, including the colour and size of the device, were a common barrier across all wearers. Three themes were identified to design devices that focused on integrating the device into the lives of wearers: to personalise the device into daily routines, to personalise the aesthetics of the device to be age and gender appropriate, and to change the value of the device for users. Changing the value of the device allowed for a second function to be incorporated into the WanderSearch device. Initial design iterations looked at the device as a brooch, a fidget toy, and a “credit card” to be in the wallet of device wearers. These iterations looked at ways of integrating the device into the daily lives of wearers and giving it a second function. The design iteration then shifted focus to design primarily for ASD wearers and sensory stimulation. As the initial findings showed that ASD wearers would chew on the device, this sensory stimulation became the second function of the designs. Design iterations explored chewable device sleeves, as well as spinning fidget sleeves to be placed over the WanderSearch location device. This design solution of creating a second function in the form of fidget sleeves addresses the acceptance of the WanderSearch location device for ASD wearers. The fidget sleeves allow the device to be integrated into the wearer's daily routine, as fidget toys are self-regulation tools commonly used by children with ASD (Da Câmara et al., 2018). Creating a variety of sensory sleeves, that can be worn around the neck or the wrist, allows for the choice of what sensory option is more appropriate for the child. Age-appropriate aesthetics of the device are also addressed with the colour and shapes of the designs being focused only on ASD wearers. Adding a second function to the device also changes the value of it for wearers. This is because the device has a use specifically for the wearer and a separate use for the caregiver. Therefore, this design solution helps to address the acceptance of the WanderSearch location device for wearers with ASD.</p>