Reconciling Needs and Feasibility When Developing Technologies for Persons with Cognitive Disabilities: A Case Study

Abstract

Persons with cognitive disabilities (CD) can benefit from using technologies to support their health and independence. However, these users often struggle to access and use technologies because their needs are not accounted for in most technology development processes. One of the main reasons for this is because technology developers often experience tension between accommodating the needs of these users with feasibility considerations. In this case study, we describe our transdisciplinary, inclusive and iterative process for reconciling users' needs and feasibility considerations when developing a medication management app for persons with CD. This paper may serve as a valuable resource for technology developers who are interested in developing products for persons with CD, by highlighting some of the real-world challenges they may encounter and providing guidance on how to overcome them.