Understanding User Needs, Persona Scenarios for Privacy-Preserving Visual System Development

Abstract

As the world’s population ages, the demand for active and assisted living technologies that can support older adults maintain their independence, health, and quality of life is increasing. Video monitoring cameras can provide a sense of safety and peace of mind for both older adults and their caregivers. However, these visual sensing systems come with major privacy concerns. Researchers have developed various visual privacy preservation filters that can be used for video-based monitoring technology, such as blurring, pixelation, silhouette, or avatar. To understand the user’s needs and fine-tune the system to their preferences, the persona scenario method was employed in this study. The goal-directed approach to persona design was followed. This scenario-based technique involves creating fictitious persona archetypes that represent the unique characteristics, needs, and goals of the target user group and other stakeholders involved in the process of care provision. A set of eight personas were created based on the qualitative data collected through interviews and focus groups in Spain. Data from 62 participants were analyzed, which represented different contributor groups such as older adults, direct caregivers, healthcare experts, and other stakeholders. The final personas are accessible to the public on a Blueprint persona repository.