1 Background to the CUSTODIAN Project

The CUSTODIAN (Conceptualisation for User involvement in Specification and Tools Offering the Delivery of system Integration Around home Networks) project was funded by the European Union under the TIDE programme and is managed by the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. The project had a multidisciplinary team who are derived from various backgrounds (see Introduction). The whole premise of the TIDE programme is that technology has an important role to play in addressing the problem of the increasing cost of care due to the demographic changes throughout Europe and in enabling greater independence and participation in society for disabled and elderly people. The challenges to be met if this was to be realised were diverse but a key issue was how are the appropriate technological solutions to be introduced where they are needed.

2 The General Overview of CUSTODIAN

A portable computer based system was conceived that would enable the visualisation of different technical options to facilitate the process of defining a home network based solution for a particular case. It was used to collate and manage the information and expertise that needs to be brought to bear on the whole decision making process governing the introduction of such a system. A key interaction in this process is between the process facilitator (the user of the developed tool), the purchaser and the envisaged functionality of the develped software applications.


The tool enables a simulated home network system to be rapidly created while discussion is on going with the end user and other stakeholders. The system is conceived in such a way that the proposed description can be viewed and modified as the consultation process is on going.


At any point in the development of the specification, the tool can be used to facilitate users and other professionals' involvement in this process. A simulation model can be used to demonstrate what happens given key scenarios. These features are key to engaging the users in the process and coming to a specification for an individual.

3 Aims of the Project

CUSTODIAN aims to empower strategic decision-makers, carers and medical practitioners and facilitate communication between these sectors and the designers, providers and installers of 'smart home' technology. The product of the project is a software tool designed to ensure that the needs of individual end users are sensitively met in a way, which reflects their social circumstance, care, medical and institutional needs and resource constraints. The project is aimed at meeting the needs of adults' number of differing levels of disabilities, most of whom will already be in receipt of care services.


The use of the completed CUSTODIAN tool involved the evolution from the analysis of individual user need, to spatial and network design, product specification and, importantly, the costing of 'smart home' systems. The project also involved the establishment of a network of 'Process Facilitators', with backgrounds in the care sector, who will be able to make informed decisions on the design of systems for adults with acquired brain injuries and other disabilities.