European Project GUIDE – Gentle User Interfaces for Elderly People

The European project GUIDE (“Gentle user interfaces for elderly people”) is creating a software framework and design tools which allows developers to efficiently integrate accessibility and personalisation features into their applications, minimizing intervention with existing development process and tools.

GUIDE provides automatic integration and adaptation of various legacy and next-generation user interface technologies, such as gesture interaction, voice control, avatars, second screen multi-touch devices and gyroscopic remote controls.

GUIDE-enabled applications and services can automatically adapt their user interface to the specific impairments and preferences of elderly users.

GUIDE puts a dedicated focus on the emerging Web & TV platforms and services (Connected TVs, Set-Top Boxes, etc.). These platforms have the potential to become the main media terminals in the users’ homes, due to their convenience and wide acceptance.

GUIDE develops a set of references applications (home automation, video conferencing, tele-learning, media access) that can help elderly citizens to simplify their daily life, stay connected in their social network and enhance their understanding of the world.

The research project is partly funded by the European Commission under the Seventh (FP7 – 2007-2013) Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development.