Evaluating new gerontechnologies: Proof of concept is necessary, but not sufficient.

Background At a minimum,evaluation of a gerontechnology requires two steps: (i) a proof of concept demonstration that the product can operate as intended; and (ii) a demonstration that targeted aging and aged users can, want to, and will use the product as intended to achieve the ends as advertised. The second step is the more difficult; the present article describes some practical procedures for measuring the effect of the product on the individual’s behavior.   Methods Single Case Experimental Designs (SCED) allow for efficient evaluation of a product by a small number of users; SCED are especially useful when one or very few prototypes are available for evaluation. Results The basic elements of SCEDs include a no-treatment baseline periods alternating with periods in which the gerontechnology is introduced, with the baseline phase representing a period in which the feature of the product being evaluated is disabled; measurable changes in user behavior with vs. without the product feature enabled constitutes the evaluation. Examples illustrating some ways the basic elements can be implemented are provided. Conclusions SCEDs provide a good alternative to the more expensive and complex Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) generally considered the ‘gold standard’ for evaluations.