Value-Sensitive Appearance for Socially Assistive Robots in Eldercare

Abstract

Robot appearance is a key determinant of user perception and acceptance, yet the alignment of robot appearance with stakeholder values remains under-explored. As fundamental principles guiding human behavior, values are crucial for robot adoption. This issue is particularly critical in eldercare, where SARs are expected to support residents and reduce staff workload, but adoption depends on resident and care staff acceptance. This study addresses this gap by identifying aesthetic design requirements for socially assistive robots in eldercare. Using Value Sensitive Design (VSD), we conducted semi-structured interviews with residents, caregivers, therapists, relatives, and management (N=16) in a Swiss nursing home. We identified three core values: security, assistance, and trust. These values were translated into 31 design requirements covering shape, material, color, and builtin features such as trays and displays. Notably, our findings suggest that stakeholders reject highly human-like robot designs not because they look uncanny, but because such designs conflict with their values. We further propose “form and function follow role” as a design principle for SARs: the robot's social role comes along with associated values that specify both appearance and functional design of the robot.