User Perspectives: Living and Working within a 'Smart Home' Environment.

Historically within Europe, Social Housing Providers and Charitable Associations worked in partnership, developing accommodation solutions to meet the needs of disabled people. Currently, innovative schemes are emerging integrating 'state of the art' electronic assistive technology and housing design, developing 'smart' home solutions. Whilst a substantial body of research is emerging in relation to the technical aspects of the Smart Home and ambient environment, few consider the impact on tenants or service providers. This work considers this aspect, focusing on physically disabled adults relocated from a communal, care institution to newly built, single occupancy dwellings. The apartments contain interactive environmental control system networked via a European Installation Bus system (EIB) with user specific interface devices. This enables the tenants to control a range of technical devices, and carryout functional task i.e. opening doors and windows, beyond their physical ability. This study combines qualitative interviews and quantitative standardized components to gather tenant's perspectives on living within this setting. Data is also gathered on the experience of care providers working within this environment. These dwellings offer a sustainable and viable alternative to institutional living.