Dear All,
I thought it would be useful to inform everyone of the completion of
CUSTODIAN, a 4th Framework EU funded project that has developed a
user friendly software suite for designing smart homes for people with
disabilities and older people. The software is available as freeware from
SEARCH, Faculty of Design, The Robert Gordon University, Garthdee
Road, Aberdeen or by emailing me.
CUSTODIAN is a software package that allows the needs of people with
disabilities to be translated into the appropriate technological solution.
The
software is run within Microsoft Visio and allows the user to use pre-
existing templates to develop a solution of develop the smart home design
from scratch. The software is also a visualisation tool that enables the
smart home design to be demonstrated to stake-holders and clients in
order to modify or further develop the solution. The software comprises a
costing feature and manufacturer database as well as easy to use (drag
and drop) technology that means that non technical people can design
bespoke systems to meet the needs of individuals.
The software has been trailed and modified considerably in the course of
its development by the consortium (from RGU, University of Porto,
University of Reading, Edinvar Housing Association, EIBA and The
Tayside consortium). The software will also be available for download on
www.custodian.org.uk/custodian
As apart of the development team, I hope this software will be of use in
providing a communications aid, a visualisation tool and a fully integrated
piece of software that brings this form of technology into the public
domain
and not having it remain in the business sectors.
I welcome any responses to this software development and hope you
might find it of use or know people who could use it.
Thanks
Guy Dewsbury
[log in to unmask]
www.rgu.ac.uk/subj/search/research/sustainablehousing/custodian/home.html
www.members.netscapeonline.co.uk/notguyfawkes/
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