A study on the formative usability testing for modular powered wheelchair.

Area of Science:

• Assistive Technology
• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Human Factors Engineering

Background:

• Rising prevalence of mobility impairments necessitates advanced, user-friendly mobility aids.
• Lightweight, portable powered wheelchairs are crucial for enhancing independence and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
• Early assessment of new assistive devices is vital for successful integration into clinical practice and user support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct an early health technology assessment and formative usability evaluation of a modular powered wheelchair.
• To evaluate user satisfaction and identify areas for design improvement in a detachable powered wheelchair.
• To detect potential errors and gather feedback for future iterations of the powered wheelchair.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach involving 16 participants (users, healthcare professionals, caregivers).
• Evaluation of wheelchair functionality across diverse scenarios, focusing on safety, effectiveness, and convenience.
• Task performance analysis and satisfaction surveys to gauge user experience and identify usability challenges.

Main Results:

• Powered wheelchair users demonstrated proficiency in driving and power control tasks.
• Healthcare professionals and caregivers reported difficulties with the wheelchair's assembly and disassembly processes.
• User satisfaction was mixed, with specific concerns raised about frame durability, seat comfort, and control mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• The modular powered wheelchair shows potential but requires design refinement to address usability issues identified by non-user groups.
• Addressing user feedback on safety, durability, and comfort is essential for improving overall device satisfaction.
• Further evaluation of advanced prototypes is recommended to enhance the device's market readiness and clinical utility.