Why use a dedicated device for Button Simple app

Button Simple's goal has always been to offer a highly simplified way for an older adult to instantly message their team of family caregivers indicating that everything is OK.

The assumptions we made at the beginning were:

• For older adults, the complexity of smartphones acts as barrier to efficient communications
• For family caregivers, collaboration is similarly inhibited by disparate communications platforms and apps
• These challenges can be addressed by:
  • simplifying the interface for older adults, and
  • relying on the expertise and support of family caregivers

We initially tested our idea using hardware buttons. Once configured, the product was a hit -- but was either too hard to set up (wifi) or too expensive (3G). So last year we decided to switch to a mobile app.

Our app design reduces the complexity of the interface for your Care Recipient just about as far as we could take it: namely, it's just a button. We didn't want there to be ANY chance of someone missing the click-action.

We don't want any older adult who is using our app to be confused about what this device is for or how it's meant to be used. It is their button. Nothing else.

To have the best chance of success, the device needs to:

• be in plain sight in one location,
• remain plugged in to its power supply,
• have Button Simple app running in the foreground
• have all other notifications disabled.

As you can imagine, it is difficult to ensure all of these requirements without dedicating a device to this purpose. So that is our strong recommendation.

This doesn't mean you can't use our app in a slightly different way. But we don't recommend it, and it will likely skew your results.

What are the device requirements?

Whatever device you end up using as the Button, it will need to have access to the internet, usually through wifi or a cell data plan. Our app runs on Android and iOS, and should be fine even on older devices.

Here are some ideas on where you might acquire devices:

Care Recipient's existing device

If your Care Recipient does have a smartphone or tablet, consider dedicating it to this purpose at least during a trial period. During this time, phone calls could be placed to the home line. (This is our preferred use case.)

Check your personal networks

Ask other family members, friends, coworkers, and any other social groups you are part of -- chances are someone has an older Apple or Android phone or tablet they aren't using, or is hankering for an upgrade and can commit their old phone to the cause.

Buy one new or used

If you don't mind spending from $30 to $100, you should be able to find a suitable device on Amazon.com, ebay.com or one of these dedicated used-phone marketplaces:

https://uptradeit.com/buy-phone

https://www.backmarket.com

Become a Beta tester

If you qualify as a Beta tester and do not have a device you can use, we will provide one during the test phase.

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