User-Centered Design to Enhance mHealth Systems for Individuals With Dexterity Impairments: Accessibility and...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Assistive Technology

Background:

• Mobile health systems enhance self-management and adherence for individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions.
• The Interactive Mobile Health and Rehabilitation (iMHere) system was developed to support independent living.
• Previous evaluations identified areas for user interface improvement in the iMHere 1.0 app.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the usability of redesigned modules within the iMHere 1.0 mobile health application.
• To assess improvements in user interface accessibility and user experience.

Main Methods:

• Compared original and redesigned MyMeds and SkinCare modules of the iMHere app.
• Assessed participant dexterity using the Purdue Pegboard Test.
• Measured efficiency, effectiveness, and usability via task performance and the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Participants with disabilities showed enhanced efficiency and effectiveness with redesigned modules.
• The redesigned iMHere modules were reported to have improved usability.
• A majority of participants preferred the redesigned version of the mobile health application.

Conclusions:

• The user-centered redesign of the iMHere system enhanced its efficiency, effectiveness, and usability.
• The updated mobile health system better supports individuals with dexterity impairments in self-management.
• Iterative design based on user feedback is crucial for effective assistive technology development.