Maavis

Maavis provides an extremely simple way to perform common place computer activities like playing media, viewing photos, accessing web information and making video calls. It is ideal for use with a touch screen. A fundamental principal is that it does not appear to be a computer and yet affords access to computer technology that is of benefit and interest to older users, especially those with age related mental health issues. It also has applications for people with learning difficulties or physical disabilities, or even simple kiosk interfaces as it is designed to work best with a touch screen.

A detailed introduction can be found on Steve’s blog, and there’s more project background, and technical details in further posts.

The Maavis project originates from Sheffield University’s Advanced Care Technologies Project. A prototype system is already in use after field testing and this project is to create a ‘product’. It uses the Mozilla Application Framework technology as found in the Firefox web browser.

Maavis currently works on Windows XP and Vista using Mozilla Firefox Technology.

See the Requirements document for a summary of features.

Getting Maavis

Maavis can be downloaded from the Maavis website

Discuss Maavis or get help

Maavis is open source and we welcome anyone into our community to contribute in any way (yes any). You can start by posting or emailing a message to the Maavis Google Group

Documentation

See UserNotes for information on how to use and customise Maavis

See DeveloperNotes for hints on how to develop.

Meetings

2008 August 28 Progress Meeting