Quick Checklist for Assessing New Devices
Four considerations before you purchase a new aging-in-place device for yourself or a loved one.
We’ll start with the assumption that the device you’re considering is capable of solving the problem you’re experiencing (that’s a topic for a different post!). The curiosity of the new “thing” will eventually fade if it’s not actually delivering value. So, make sure to do your homework and compare your pain points against the device’s feature list.
Time in Market
Consider how long the device has been available for sale and how long the company has been in business. Speaking generally, mature companies are typically more stable (in other words, less likely to go out of business) while startups are typically more willing to take risks (in other words, more likely to offer innovative features). Your decision here is largely reflective of your appetite for potential turnover costs — the time, energy, and money you’ll need to spend to switch devices in the future, if a device from a new company doesn’t work out.
Privacy
If the device you’re considering will process personal health data, you’ll likely want to review their privacy policies — is the company sharing data with external aggregators (like many home-based DNA startups)? What happens if you leave the platform (is your data promptly erased)? Does the device require two-factor authentication? If the company is headquartered in the European Union, they’re required to follow GDPR standards. These standards are a good starting point for data protection.
Ease of Use
Whether the device is for you or a loved one, consider how easy the device is to install, use, and update. Just like diets, often the “best” one is the one you can follow! The “best” device will be one that you can continually use and get value from. User reviews are often a great place to start when looking for ease-of-use feedback.
Design
Lastly and especially true of devices that you’ll use often or are highly visible, will you mind looking at it everyday? While we think this consideration is less important than the others, it’s a great tie-breaker all else equal!