Granny Hammy

Granny Hammy is your everyday typical granny. She goes to church, enjoys tea with her friends, and loves to knit. The remarkable thing about Granny Hammy is that despite pushing past 80, she has the physical fitness of someone much younger. Nearly everyday she walks the family dog who lives next door. She does this as a favour for her daughter Judy, while Judy is at work. Granny Hammy is not the most technologically minded of people. She has a poor understanding of computers and how they work. She's very old fashioned this way.

Our networked object we have developed revolves around the communication between Judy and Granny Hammy. In the past, Judy would have to arrange with Granny when the dog would be walked, and when Granny Hammy had walked the dog, she would have to leave notes around the house etc.

This is an interview with Granny Hammy about our object:

1. What aspects of the dog object do you like/dislike?(specifics or just generally)

The object is really useful. It's always good to be reminded. Forgetfulness is something that comes with old age... To hear the dog object whine I need to be in the room, but I can still notice the object on its side when I come back in the room.

2.Does the model fit into your lifestyle? can you explain a little about your lifestyle and if you think you would use this product in your day to day life.

Yes, I walk the dog often anyway. Making it a way of working isn't such a problem for me, and I get something back from Judy. I am usually in and around my house on a daily basis. Sometimes in the garden, but my livingroom really is my livingspace. If I'm out of the house it isn't for long. I like that the dog has been made just for me, it's my own little version of Lily. I don't think it would work as well for another granny. I prefer it to the note system Judy and I had going on. That was really confusing sometimes.

3.Might there be any other way in which you would use this product? Would you like it to be developed to include more favours, or for different kinds of favours?

Well, sometimes I'm asked to feed the dog, so maybe that could work... and sometimes I pick up a few things from the shops for Judy. Maybe there could be something made for that? Theres actually a few little favours I do that could be tied into something like this.

4. What does the product mean to you? e.g more responsibility, not being taken for granted, better/new ways to communicate/working

It helps me feel valued and useful in the family and their day to day life. It provides evidence of what i have done and i can receive recognition for this service. I like that Judy can actually count the number of favours I can do for her, and I can get something back.

5.Do you think the process allows you to be part of a new way of working?

I like how we can see how many favours i have done, i also like how the reward for the favours can be anything suitable to the family. I'm not getting paid, but money wouldn't mean anything to me. Getting help in the garden from Judy when I need it, or a hand with a big trip to the shops is more than I can ask for in return. It is working, but it's working that I enjoy.