Background: Exoskeleton use by people with complete spinal cord injury (SCI) in daily life is still a challenge. To optimize its daily life use, a better understanding of the purpose of use and the accompanying improvements are needed. The perspective of experienced exoskeleton users provides an important contribution to the improvement of future exoskeletons.Methods: Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were held with 13 people with SCI, who were experienced exoskeleton users. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and analysed thematically.Results: Participants expressed three future purposes of exoskeleton use: for daily activities, exercise, and social interaction. Exoskeleton use during daily activities was the ultimate goal. Therefore, the future exoskeleton should be: easy to use, small and lightweight, tailor made, safe, comfortable, less distinctive, durable, and affordable. Improving the ease of use was relevant for all purposes, for all participants. The other suggestions for improvement varied depending on the purpose of use and the participant. Conclusions: Increasingly more advanced improvements to future exoskeletons are needed to transition from an exercise purpose, to social interaction, and ultimately use during daily activities. In the current study, detailed suggestions for improvements from experienced exoskeleton users have been made. Only when multiple of these suggestions are adjusted, can the exoskeleton be used to its full potential.
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