Conceptualization and Measurement of Assistive Technology Usability
By Arthanat, Sajay; Bauer, Stephen M.; Lenker, James A.; Nochajski, Susan M.; Wu, Yow Wu B.; Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 235-248Taylor & Francis, Limited
Publication Date: January 1, 2007
Research paper on the measuring of usability in AT products from the points of view of (1) constituting elements and (2) outcome variables. Optimum product usability requires a high level of compatibility between the designer’s blueprint of the product and the end-user’s perception of the product’s value. The paper contends that among usability criteria outlined, such as evaluation by experts, case study and simulation of use, and evaluation by users, self-reported usability was the most valid method. With the goal of developing and validating the Usability Scale for Assistive Technology (USAT), a tool to measure the usability of AT devices, a study was designed with 10 adult participants, of whom six used computer-based AT devices and four used wheeled-mobility devices, with 3-8 years of device experience. Using taped interviews and a checklist-style questionnaire, some 800 measurable usability indicators were identified and classified, evenly divided between the two user groups. These indicators were mapped to a generic usability-criteria list for construction of the USAT-Wheeled Mobility and the USAT-Computer Access. Implications for future research are discussed.
Published by: Taylor & Francis, Limited (Website:http://taylorandfrancis.org)
Taylor & Francis, Limited (Website:http://taylorandfrancis.org)
International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (Web Site: http://www.isprm.org )
