The use of Emotional Design Techniques in user oriented design of interfaces within a smart house environment: Case study

IBV is working in the emerging area of Emotional Engineering with application in the development of technology for the user wellness. A first prospective analysis is made in the field of smart house technologies for elderly people focused on clarifying the role of emotions in the interaction user-environment mediated by technology. The study was undertaken with elderly people within the age segment from 40 to 75 years old with no pathology that could affect cognitive processes. As a result, a clear emotional dimension is identified as design barrier that makes smart house environments be understood far from redeeming lack of abilities due to ageing. This paper also highlights the challenge of developing methodological approaches customized for the field of emotional design in interactive products.