Usability and Accessibility of the ArtontheBrain^™ Virtual Recreation Activity for Older Adults With Low Vision Due to Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

Experiencing visual art can inspire, be an overall positive leisure activity, and has been linked to improved cognition, especially in older adults. Access to artwork in a museum environment can comprise a variety of barriers, including difficulties linked to its visual experience for persons that are visually impaired. The present study explored the barriers and facilitators experienced by 15 older adults (age 65 to 93) living with age-related macular degeneration when using an iPad to access ArtontheBrain™, a virtual art museum recreation experience created by members of this team. Using the Concurrent Think Aloud method, participants were asked to continuously comment on their experiences with the application while being audio/video recorded. Indeed, codes were determined by identifying frequently stated and emphasized ideas or behaviors of participants using the ArtontheBrain™ application. Transcripts underwent thematic analysis and indicated that the main access barriers were linked to control of the contrast, magnification, and the tactile interface on the tablet device. The learn and play activities as well as the text-to-speech feature were identified as facilitators for ArtontheBrain™ engagement. The present findings should also be considered in the larger context of application development, as this study provides insight pertaining to the needs of low vision individuals regarding usability and accessibility.

Thought Processes as Data in Eye Care Education and Research

“…The researchers used the think-aloud data from novice retinal graders to inform their recommendations for targeted training to enhance their clinical decision-making skills. The examples from other areas in health care in which the think-aloud method is used include the following: ( a ) usability evaluation of electronic health records, 9 ( b ) studying clinical diagnostic processes, 10 ( c ) the development and validation of survey instruments and questionnaires, 11 ( d ) user interaction with electronic applications designed to improve health care delivery, 12 ( e ) the impact of behavior modification interventions, 13 and many others. In summary, the think-aloud method is an appropriate technique to be taken into account when researchers or instructors are considering the collection of participant thinking processes as data.…”