Evaluation of a Redesigned Self-Checkout Station for Wheelchair Users
By Bajaj, Komal, MS; Mirka, Gary A., PhD; Sommerich, Carolyn M., PhD; Khackatoorian, Haig, IDSA; Assistive Technology, Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 15-24Publication Date: Spring 2006
Study conducted to develop and evaluate a redesigned self-checkout system that is accessible to people who use wheelchairs. Two checkout station prototypes were constructed: (1) a full-scale model of an existing system, and (2) a full-scale model of a system with accessible modifications, including wheelchair clearance space under the workstation and repositioning of the credit card reader. Five people who used wheelchairs and ten people who did not performed simulated self-checkout activities using both workstations. Productivity, shoulder flexion angle, torso flexion angle, and the participant's assessment were evaluated. The results indicated that workstation type did not influence productivity levels, though posture was significantly improved for all participants. Peak shoulder angle was reduced by 64 percent among the participants who used wheelchairs, and by 69 percent in the group who did not use wheelchairs. Peak flexion angle of the torso was also reduced by 67 percent among the participants who used wheelchairs. Qualitative assessments indicated that the participants who used wheelchairs preferred the redesigned accessible system, while the participants who did not use wheelchairs did not have a particular preference. The authors contend that these results indicate that universal design can yield benefits for people with disabilities as well as people who are non-disabled. Implications for future research are discussed.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) (Website:http://www.resna.org)
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J50673
