A collaborative innovation experience of person-centered technology: emotional detection and possible contributions to the support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilitie

Abstract

The present article aims to raise awareness about the interesting results that stem from collaboration between organisations that develop social technology and those providing support to people who suffer from severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. This type of joint effort facilitates the development of innovative user centred technology that satisfies their actual needs in a natural environment. In our case, Tecnalia and Uliazpi have been working together for a number of years to identify the needs of Uliazpi’s users and the most adequate technological solutions to meet those needs. In this context, the article outlines a project that has emerged from this alliance. It consists of an emotion detection system that can help professional carers to recognise and control situations that promote or reduce the wellbeing of people who are not capable of communicating by their own means.