Designing an app for alternative access assessments: Using interviews to uncover and define user needs

Area of Science:

• Assistive Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Rehabilitation Engineering

Background:

• Effective alternative access assessment is crucial for individuals with motor impairments.
• Current assessment practices may present challenges for both practitioners and clients.
• There is a need for improved tools to support service delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand user needs for an alternative access assessment app.
• To identify opportunities for enhancing current assistive technology assessment practices.
• To inform the design of the Access Navigator application.

Main Methods:

• Conducted individual interviews with 8 assistive technology practitioners and 3 clients.
• Utilized the affinity wall method to cluster 236 extracted quotes into 42 themes.
• Prioritized themes and identified supporting app requirements.

Main Results:

• Confirmed the need for a tool to streamline access assessments and promote early success.
• Highlighted user needs for flexible workflows and personalized, test-drive tasks.
• Identified the importance of client preference and a choice of metrics.

Conclusions:

• A deeper understanding of user needs is essential for designing effective assistive technology software.
• The Access Navigator app aims to address identified needs, reducing anxiety and improving assessment efficiency.
• Findings provide a strong foundation for developing user-centered assistive technology solutions.