title: Toward a "smart" nightstand prototype: an examination of nightstand table contents and preferences.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Two studies were conducted to obtain an understanding of the types of items seniors keep in their nightstands and to understand how users feel about the possibility of "smart" furniture.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  To enable aging in place and universal design, it is vital to understand the needs of a broad range of aging individuals, especially since there is little research on nightstand usage and design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Study 1 allowed for the development of a structured inventory of nightstand use today in assisted living and rehabilitation facilities. Study 1 led to Study 2, demonstrating the need to conceptualize new ideas for smart nightstands. Feedback was obtained from intergenerational participants who could discuss their needs and preferences for a smart nightstand.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In Study 1, more than 150 items were recorded and categorized into 25 different groups. The authors found that participants utilized the top portion of their nightstand as opposed to the lower sections; most items were found on top of the nightstand or in the top drawer. In Study 2, the authors found that the vast majority of participants are willing to consider the use of a smart nightstand. Participants discussed key functions and design preferences, which included carefully designed storage, the ability to move the nightstand up and down, contemporary design, and interaction through voice activation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Existing nightstands do not meet the needs of current users. This research provides greater understanding of the existing limitations associated with nightstands. Study 2 confirmed that user-centered design and the use of technology can be used to enhance daily living. Smart furniture may play a role in promoting the health and independence of diverse user groups.
authors.affiliation: Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA. jobrook@clemson.edu
authors.forename: Johnell O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Brooks
authors.forename: Linnea
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Smolentzov
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dearment
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Logan
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Honchar
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Guirl
authors.forename: Rebekkah
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Beeco
authors.forename: Carrie
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authors.lastname: Blakeney
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boggs
authors.forename: Carson
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Carroll
authors.forename: Kenna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Duckworth
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Goller
authors.forename: Sloan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ham
authors.forename: Stan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Healy
authors.forename: Carolyn
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Heaps
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hayden
authors.forename: Joe
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Manganelli
authors.forename: Lyndsay
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mayweather
authors.forename: Hillary
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mixon
authors.forename: Koty
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Price
authors.forename: Ashley
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.forename: Paul
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authors.lastname: Yanik
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D040561:Assisted Living Facilities; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D020380:Needs Assessment; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D012371:Robotics; D014481:United States