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Article published In: Interaction Studies
Vol. 25:2 (2024) ► pp.218–243

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Research report

Designing socially assistive robots

Qualitative analysis of stakeholders’ expectations and desires

ORCiD logo with link | Griffith University
ORCiD logo with link | Griffith University
ORCiD logo with link | Griffith University
Published online: 7 February 2025
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/is.24010.gre
Abstract Objectives
This study aimed to understand stakeholders’ views on design choices associated with socially assistive robots for people with dementia.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 informal carers, one formal carer, one care centre manager, and one person with dementia. Individual semi-structured interviews lasted 45 minutes and were conducted online via the Microsoft Teams app or telephone. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed.
Results
Thematic analysis resulted in four main themes: physical design characteristics, functional features and abilities, data management and operational practicalities. Animal-like robots for companionship were likely to be accepted by people with dementia. Telepresence and service robots integrated into smart networks were viewed as communication and safety tools. Integrating multiple robots and smart devices could provide the level of functionality required to care for people with dementia.
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Methods
    • Ethical considerations
    • Design of interview questions
    • Interview questions
    • Recruitment and method of interview participation
    • Data analysis
  • Findings
    • Participants
    • First impressions and previous knowledge of SARs
  • Theme 1. Physical design characteristics
    • Appearances and materials
    • Size, mass and mobility
  • Theme 2. Functional features and abilities
    • Reactionary movements of robotic parts
    • Music
    • Robot-specific audio outputs
    • Verbal dialogue
  • Theme 3. Data management
    • Conversations on surveillance
    • Organization of daily activities and administration duties
  • Theme 4. Operational practicalities
    • Cost
    • Training
    • Introducing a social robot to a person with dementia
  • Discussion
  • Limitations and strengths
  • Future directions
  • Conclusion
  • Ethics
  • Notes
  • References
References (43)
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