Judge, S., Clarke, Z. and Hawley, M. S. (2011) Investigating the success factors of expert users to inform device development. In: Gelderblom, G. J., Soede, M., Adriaens, L. and Miesenberger, K., (eds.) Everyday Technology for Independence and Care - AAATE 2011. AAATE 2011, Aug 31-Sep 1 2011, Maastricht. IOS Press , Maastricht, The Netherlands , pp. 995-1003. ISBN 978-1-60750-813-7
Abstract
Objective: Expert user testing is a well recognised tool within user experience and human computer interaction design. Within the domain of assistive technology device design, however, this technique seems to be little used. It is suggested that studying the success factors of expert assistive technology device users may provide a valuable source of data to inform development of assistive technology devices. This paper presents an example of this technique, within the context of a number of studies carried out by the authors, using the example of preliminary data from a study informing the development of an innovative Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device.
Main Content: The paper presents a qualitative study whose objective was to influence the design and further development of an innovative voice-input voice-output communication aid (Vivoca) which has previously reached proof-of-concept stage. The Vivoca device is designed for people with dysarthria and this dictates a number of specific constraints and considerations. In order to understand how Vivoca could be designed to be used successfully by people with dysarthria, this study aimed to identify the factors associated with expert users' successful use of current AAC devices. In order to allow comparison, the study included users with some understandable speech and also those with no understandable speech. The study procedure was designed to provide a profile of participants' communication methods and to identify the factors that participants felt made their communication successful.
Results: Preliminary results from the study (currently underway) are presented, including a qualitative analysis of interview data, and data profiling participants' communication methods and context. Initial data has highlighted the very specific requirements for a communication aid design for people with some understandable speech.
Conclusion: Study of expert users may provide an effective tool to help inform assistive technology device development.
Metadata
Item Type: | Proceedings Paper |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Editors: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2011 IOS. This is an author produced version of a paper subsequently published in Everyday Technology for Independence and Care - AAATE 2011. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | research-methods,user-involvement, assistive technology, device development |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health (Sheffield) > School of Health and Related Research (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Mr Simon Judge |
Date Deposited: | 20 Jul 2012 09:58 |
Last Modified: | 08 Feb 2013 17:39 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/978-1-60750-814-4-995 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | IOS Press |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.3233/978-1-60750-814-4-995 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:74408 |