The goal of our studies is to iteratively refine prototypes of the robot by involving end users in development cycles of the prototype throughout the project. The evaluations will be conducted with the aim of maximizing usability across geographic, demographic and cultural boundaries, as well as diverse home environments and user preferences and attitudes. The project ExCITE focuses on end users’ perspectives when using a robotic telepresence platform, the Giraff. The Giraff system consists of a tiltable screen and web camera mounted on a moveable robotic base that can be teleoperated. Our application area is elder care. We motivate the use of telepresence in elder care as a way to ensure safety, facilitate independent living and enhance social interaction.