Proposal Presented for the Master Plan For Aging (#87)
Disclaimer
Throughout the MPA process, more than 100 proposals were developed thanks in particular to thousands of hours of work by external stakeholders and members of the public. These proposals and the MPA Council commentary are being submitted to the Governor and shared with policymakers and the public to inform policymaking. These proposals represent a starting point for discussion. Further discussion is necessary between relevant state agencies and stakeholders to both refine these proposals and assess which may be appropriate to adopt and implement.
Summary
Develop policies that encourage the technology sector to involve end-users in the design and development of such technology products, trainings, and support services. This includes incentives for companies that include end-user in design and development, establishing formalized standards for procurements, involvement of end-users in policy development, and implementation of end-user feedback.
Justification
Technology is most effective when the intended users are involved in the design and development of the products, trainings, and support services, particularly for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers. By doing so, the users' desire to engage with the product increases as well as the efficacy of the technology. Implementation of these actions will improve health outcomes, such as with easier utilization of telehealth services, as well as increasing independence through means of empowerment for the individual.
Full Proposal
New York State should develop a policy that encourages the technology sector to involve end-users in the design and development of such technology products, trainings, and support services. The end-user includes older adults, people with disabilities, immigrants, refugees and others for whom English is a second language, caregivers, and professionals who work with or utilize telehealth/telehealth remote supports, smart home technology, tools that enable communication with caregivers, and/or tools that protect financial health. To implement this policy, New York State would, at a minimum:
- Develop and formalize standards to include in procurements, mechanisms for involving end-users in policy decisions, and methods to obtain and compile feedback from end-users.
- Prioritize companies and products that involve end-users in the design and development of the products, trainings and support services when procuring or designing and building technology.
- Include end-users in policy decisions on how public funding is used to support technology.
- Involve all state agencies in the implementation of the policy and encourage localities to adapt similar policies.
- Compile feedback from end-users that will be used to inform future procurements and policy decisions.
MPA Council Commentary
This proposal is categorized as near-term. State agencies across NYS government can look for opportunities to prioritize the consideration of end-users in evaluating technology for State procurement.