The art of good design is to make things
look and feel good, so people want to use what you have
designed. This is especially true for assistive technology design where people deciding not to use the resulting technology is all too common. As a consultancy, SMART Thinking (a.k.a. Guy Dewsbury) can advise on
the appropriate design of systems to support people in the
community. To date I have designed systems for adults with
acquired brain injuries, dementia, severe physical and mental
impairments, adults with severe autistic spectrum disorders
as well as older people. The principles of the design are
the same although the outcomes are always new. No two designs
are the same, but there are often common elements.
It is important to allay any misconceptions;
SMART Thinking does not design software, I am not a technical
expert, I am a social scientist and therefore design for
people and the needs of those requiring a system to support
them in their residence.
Essentially I try to become the mediator
between the installers, the architects, the services providers,
the housing providers, the health and social work community
as well as the relatives of the person. As an impartial
person I am able to research and develop the most appropriate
system to ensure that the expected and desired needs of
a person are met through the technology. I can also assist
in the determination of whether technology is required or
whether other methods should be considered to support the
person.
I can limit and delimit a project depending
on the requirements. I can draw up how the system will work
and what components are required, and the essential elements
of a system from a user-centred perspective. But I do not
build the systems or install them. I can advise installers,
builders, plumbers etc but I do not do the manual work myself
this is contracted by the employer.
Hence the main services I offer are as a coordinator/mediator
and designer of the system, who can offer advise on the
structural design aspects through to the technology completion
of the building. I also specialise in the development of policy and procedures for companies to ensure that the technology protocols are the same throughout the company.
As a consultant I do produce results that apparently
are pleasing to the people I have worked with in the past
and the systems work in the way people expect them to and appear simple
on the surface whilst being more complex underneath. The true
art of good design is to make things look and feel good,
so people want to use what you have designed.
I can assist you in an advisory capacity, but this is limited and free, email me to start the discussion. On the other hand if you are wanting to use technology to assist someone and would like some helpful advice or even a design specification the drop me a line and we can discuss terms and whether or not my services would be of use to you.
Guy Dewsbury © 2006
