3. Evaluation Methods

To ground the design rationale in practice, the prototype of the NAO for PwD will be evaluated in a formative evaluation with the PwD (subject) and their caregivers. The evaluation will investigate the process of how interaction with the NAO can alleviate potential symptoms caused by early-stage dementia in PwD.  The study will focus on the prototype's potential effects, which are based on the desired value of autonomy as a part of self-direction.

The study will investigate the claims on the following questions:

1. Does the design increase the sense of autonomy in PwD?

2. Does the design have a positive effect on PwD's affective state?

3. Is the design dependable; do PwD sense that they can rely on it?