To design new technologies, such as mobile multimedia communications,
in a proper way, early assessment of their usefulness and requirements
is needed. However, early assessment still lacks a sound methodology.
This article presents an early assessment method that has been develo
ped in a case study on the usefulness of mobile multimedia communicati
ons. After the introduction, the method will be briefly explained. The
method consists of the following stages: preliminary investigation, a
nalysis, scenario development, workshop evaluation, and simulation. Th
ese stages contain the aspects and consequences of the reference model
that has been explained in the introduction of this volume: (1) the i
nvolvement of stakeholder groups; (2) the multi-facet approach to the
development and evaluation of telematics applications; (3) the importa
nt role of theoretical notions in the development process; (4) the imp
ortance of a multi-disciplinary team. A case study in the area of emer
gency medicine will be presented, focusing on the usefulness of mobile
multimedia communications. Finally, conclusions will be drawn from th
e case study. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.