How Effectively Do Experts Predict Elderly Target-Users of Assistive Devices? Importance of Expert Knowledge in Device Development

Watanabe, Makiko; Washio, Takuya; Iwasaki, Masashi; Arai, Takeshi; Saijo, Miki; Ohashi, T.

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-49713-2_20

Cited by 3 publications

(5 citation statements)

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“…The open-ended questions for both the feedback form and interviews were adjusted according to the specific tasks assigned, which varied across different user testing sessions. Questionnaires and interviews are effective methods for exploring how users interact with systems and identifying the user’s preferred features (Watanabe et al ., 2020). This understanding is essential for assessing usability, which determines how simple user interfaces are to operate (Seong, 2022).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Initiating and integrating user-centred design in upgrading the e-learning layout: a case study on FlexLearn (Brightspace) 2.0 template

Mohamad Noor

2024

AAOUJ

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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to articulate how the user experience (UX) approach was initiated and integrated into the centre’s scope of operations with the objective of improving the e-learning layout on the D2L learning management system (LMS). One of the most effective ways to collect user feedback has historically been to evaluate user interfaces using strategies from user testing. The integration of a UX approach by the Centre for ODL Experiences (COLE) at Wawasan Open University has led to a more user-oriented design of FlexLearn by conducting user testing on students as the target users of the platform and gathering course leaders’ (CLs) feedback after the presentation of the new template.Design/methodology/approachSince the process of design and development is a looping process, the first user testing methods employed were observation and interviews, which were conducted over the course of numerous sessions. The data collection used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative demographic and background data with qualitative feedback from open-ended questions and real-time interview responses. A standardized questionnaire gathered demographic information, while questions for feedback forms and interviews were adjusted based on specific tasks to explore usability and user interactions comprehensively.FindingsThe findings revealed overall positive feedback, with some concerns highlighted by the students who claimed to have trouble navigating the courses during the initial prototype. In addition to the qualitative data from the user testing session, a quantitative method based on an online questionnaire was also utilised for the CLs after the presentation of the final layout. Positive responses were received from the CLs, and constructive suggestions were considered for FlexLearn 3.0.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is among the first that articulates the process of initiating and integrating user-centred design in an effort to improve the user experience of online and ODL platforms and LMSs. It will contribute to a dialogue on investigating and prioritising learners’ ODL experiences to ensure education equity across all levels or categories of students, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.Practical implicationsThe integration of UX and user testing allows us to better identify what users like, their concerns and their needs. We gain important input on how easy or difficult it is to use the system, move around it and how much they enjoy using it. This feedback helps us make changes to the design so that the final product is more in line with what users want. It also allows us to discover problems before they become major, saving time and effort later on. Finally, integrating user input improves the LMS, delivering a more fun and successful learning experience for everyone.Social implicationsUser-friendly systems arise as institutions prioritise user-centred design, breaking down barriers for various learners. This develops an innovative culture, improving present learning experiences and setting a precedent for future generations. The emphasis on user demands helps to create a more accessible, adaptive and egalitarian educational landscape by connecting education with current technological trends. As education becomes more inclusive, the broader community benefits, emphasising the beneficial social impact of LMS user testing.Originality/valueBy articulating the process of integrating user testing on an LMS/e-learning prototype, helps us understand what users like, where they face problems and what needs improvement. By involving users in testing, we get valuable feedback on how easy it is to use the system, navigate around and overall, how much they enjoy using it. Case studies like this also offer universities concrete examples of real-world challenges and successes.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Initiating and integrating user-centred design in upgrading the e-learning layout: a case study on FlexLearn (Brightspace) 2.0 template

Mohamad Noor

2024

AAOUJ

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“…1). This is an example of a welfare device that was developed to allow users with disabilities to move as fast as people who can walk (Ohashi et al 2017;Saijo et al 2014;Watanabe et al 2020). Figure 1 shows a user test of a Life Walker in Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture (more details in Section 4).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Real-Time Assessment of Causal Attribution Shift and Stay Between Two Successive Tests of Movement Aids

Ohashi

Watanabe

Takenaka³

et al. 2021

Integr. psych. behav.

Self Cite

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The development of welfare assistive devices for frail elderly people has attracted significant attention for its effort to improve the quality of life and reduce the burden on caregivers. However, it is challenging to conduct multiple user tests because of the significant burden on the elderly; thus, we need efficient ways to extract insight through different approaches. In this study, we aim to elucidate real-time transitions in users’ emotions and achievement motivation while using such a device. We synthesize an utterance analysis method based on attribution theory, in which all users’ utterances are attributed to four categories (ability, effort, task difficulty, and luck) that follow the developed coding rules. Knowing the transitions in causal attribution allows us to extract salient experiences for users, especially by extracting shifts from them and analyzing why the shift occurred and what exactly was happening before and after the shift. If only salient user experiences can be referenced from the aggregate data, useful information can be extracted in a short time to improve system characteristics and the environment. We discussed the validity and reliability of the proposed method by conducting a user test of an electric-assisted four-wheeled cycle for frail elderly people in Kakegawa city in Shizuoka, Japan. We also succeeded in marking the points that need attention, which is about 33% of the total amount of utterance data (1626 utterances), and thus confirmed the potential of the proposed method. Future research should examine how the developed methodology can help designers improve assistive device development, as well as how it can contribute to other fields such as education and social assistance.

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“…Therefore, the challenges associated with a super-aging society are not just relevant for Japan, but for the entire world [1]. To meet these challenges, in recent years, many assistive devices have been actively developed, including meal assistive devices [2,3] and movement aid devices [4][5][6], to assist not only in the cognitive and physical decline of older adults but also the work of caregivers [1,7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For instance, in a commercial setting, companies are reluctant to commit financial resources to a full UCD approach, preferring to opt in or out of elements of a user-centered approach [9]. In addition, especially in care facilities for older adults, it is difficult to identify suitable target users since their symptoms and disorders are diverse [5]. Additionally, few facilities have worked with researchers in the development of new technology, as most are too busy [5,12,13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In addition, especially in care facilities for older adults, it is difficult to identify suitable target users since their symptoms and disorders are diverse [5]. Additionally, few facilities have worked with researchers in the development of new technology, as most are too busy [5,12,13]. As a result, many scholars have only involved users in the later phase of the system/service development process, i.e., test and evaluation [14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Designing an Abnormal Posture Detection System to Prevent Accidents During Meal Assistance for Older Adults: A User-Centered Design Approach

Ohashi

Ito²,

Kurabayashi

et al. 2021

Advances in Human Factors and Ergonomics in Healthcare and Medical Devices

Self Cite

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This paper proposes a user-centered design (UCD) method and demonstrates the assistive device design, incorporating user involvement and the risk management approach throughout the design process, in a Japanese day-care facility for older adults. The study focused on the lunchtime problem, where there is a limited number of nursing staff for meal assistance and supervision of users to ensure their safety. An abnormal posture notification system that met the technical/functional and user requirements was successfully designed by conducting participant observations and using human error-proofing principles. This approach enabled timely identification of proper solutions in the care facility and areas for improvement, and thus the discovery of users and use-cases that were not initially envisioned.

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How Effectively Do Experts Predict Elderly Target-Users of Assistive Devices? Importance of Expert Knowledge in Device Development

Cited by 3 publications

References 5 publications

Initiating and integrating user-centred design in upgrading the e-learning layout: a case study on FlexLearn (Brightspace) 2.0 template

Initiating and integrating user-centred design in upgrading the e-learning layout: a case study on FlexLearn (Brightspace) 2.0 template

Real-Time Assessment of Causal Attribution Shift and Stay Between Two Successive Tests of Movement Aids

Designing an Abnormal Posture Detection System to Prevent Accidents During Meal Assistance for Older Adults: A User-Centered Design Approach

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