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162 CHAPTER 7 Case studies

7.4.3 DESCRIPTION
A description of a system and its impact can be of interest. In some cases, particu-
larly those involving new design methodologies, the process behind the design may
be the focus of a case study. In general, a single-case study describes a problem,
the steps that were taken to understand it, the details of the eventual design, and the
lessons learned that might be of more general interest. Case studies that describe
design processes and results have been written for a wide variety of topics, including
interfaces for people with Alzheimer's disease (Cohene et al., 2007) (see sidebar),
fire alert services in South Africa (Davies et al., 2008), browsers for a collection of
music written by a composer (Hochheiser, 2000), and mobile interfaces for sharing
navigation information in cities (Bilandzic et al., 2008).

INTERFACES FOR PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
The process of developing a novel interface or interaction technique is
often as interesting, if not more interesting, than the resulting product. This
is particularly true for design efforts that tackle novel problems involving
challenging contexts of use.
A University of Toronto project involving the design of an assistive
technology tool for people affected by Alzheimer's disease provided the basis
for an intriguing case study (Cohene et al., 2007). This project was based on a
body of prior work that firmly established the importance of reminiscences for
people with Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, the researchers were interested
in developing multimedia “life histories” that people with Alzheimer's disease
could use to recall and relive old memories. The case described the process of
1
developing a system to be used by a 91-year-old woman named Laura. The
participation of Laura and her two daughters formed a crucial part of the study.
The initial phases of the study included exploratory efforts aimed at
developing an understanding of the challenges faced by people with Alzheimer's
disease and their families. Although the study was focused on developing a tool
specifically for Laura, the researchers conducted a variety of inquiries aimed at
providing greater understanding of the needs and abilities of individuals with
Alzheimer's disease. The researchers conducted a modified ethnographic inquiry
(see Chapter 9), interacting with groups of individuals engaged in recreational
therapy activities. These observations provided a detailed understanding of the
range of abilities and impairments of the participants, leading to a set of design
principles. Discussions with caretakers and other experts formed the basis for a
set of categories and themes that would assist with reminiscing.
Interviews with Laura's family members informed both the content of the
life histories and an understanding of important needs and outcomes. Family
members also completed a “family workbook” that contained storyboards
describing stories that would be recounted with the tool to be developed.

1 All names of participants in this study were changed to protect their privacy.