Active advice

Tackling the shortcomings of a web platform, providing an overview of the AAL ecosystem and supporting informed decision making, the ActiveAdvice project aims to create an active advising and decision-support network across Europe. This is supported by a comprehensive ICT-based environment, presenting a broad state-of-the art collection on available AAL services and technologies offered at regional, national and international levels, which are stored in an Intelligent AAL Product & Service Cloud. Throughout the project extensive end user studies are carried out building the basis for the conception and implementation of services models for costumers, be it older adults and their relatives (target group AAL2C), businesses (AAL2B) or government (AAL2G). Iterative user feedback and usability testing as well as human advisor certification across all consortium countries will ensure the quality of the ActiveAdvice environment while increasing the uptake of AAL and establishing a European network of Authorized Active Advisors.

An innovative Decision Support Approach

ActiveAdvice creates a novel ICT environment compromised from digital and human advisors, enhancing the information exchange and expert dialogue, as well as the technology and service uptake in the field of AAL. Through the creation of three service models tailored to the specific needs of the three target groups AAL2C, AAL2B and AAL2G, combined with the creation of an international network of Authorized Active Advisors from various business sectors related to AAL, an increased rate of awareness for and implementation of AAL solutions is reached across Europe. The twofold approach envisaged features digital advisory, delivered in the form of User Ratings and Expert Reviews on solutions, as well as human advisory from the Authorized Active Advisors network, whose members provide local know-how and expertise in AAL products and services as well as funding options and public support. Based on the knowledge provided by ActiveAdvice, the AAL target audience is supported in an informed decision making process on how to prolong and enhance their independent life through employment of personalized ICT solutions.

Human Advisors as Key to Success

The selection of technical solutions to be installed in homes, public spaces and work places is still subject to human factors, especially issues with trust and personal reflection. In order to reduce major obstacles erasing from trust issues against new technologies and from feeling ashamed of the personal health situation, a network of human advisors is identified as crucial success factor for ActiveAdvice. Besides building a network of experts, displayed as Authorized Active Advisors, using the ActiveAdvice solutions for their work, the possibility for everyone to engage in the ActiveAdvice community enables exchange of experience and knowledge. This leads to reduction of fears and reservations in the primary end users of AAL, enabling a faster uptake of products and services. Additionally, incentives for local businesses are created to become part of the international AAL ecosystem, enriching the market with innovative solutions for their customers.

The Team behind ActiveAdvice

The ActiveAdvice Team consists of seven partners from six European countries, coordinated by SYNYO, who is leading the ongoing development of ActiveAdvice digital solutions. The university partners Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and University of Porto (CINT) deliver excellent research on stakeholder needs, decision support approaches and training curricula for human advisory. The SME partners Smart Homes (SMH), Cybermoore (CYB) and Yellow Window (YW) will provide essential knowledge on the local AAL solutions, user needs and solution validation. The consortium is rounded out by the City of Alkmaar (ALK), providing end user knowledge for all three target audiences of ActiveAdvice, AAL2C, AAL2B and AAL2G, while accompanying the testing of the ActiveAdvice solution and environment. In a collective effort, all partners will participate in the efficient dissemination of the project, the training of local Authorized Active Advisors and the creation of a sustainable exploitation of ActiveAdvice including a strong business model.