Requirements gathering with diverse user groups and stakeholders

An interactive theatre piece has been designed to facilitate requirements gathering with a diverse range of user groups and stakeholders within the conceptual stage of telecare equipment for the home environment. The piece has been devised and produced by theatre professionals in consultation with computer engineers as part of a major research programme developing computer systems to support older and disabled people. By the interaction of a researcher, two actors and some video-clips, this piece demonstrates: a) the vital importance of all stakeholders being properly consulted and for them to inter-communicate well, and b) the role of theatre as a tool in this process. The rationale and methodology of this technique is discussed in an interactive session with the audience.