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Usability evaluation of an electric-powered wheelchair driven by eye tracking

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Abstract

Studies indicate an increase in the abandonment rates of the use of Assistive Technology devices for several reasons: the non-participation of the user in the development of the technology, the lack of training and the non-adaptation of the device to the needs of users are the most reported complaints. In this context, this research aims to understand how users and developers (engineers and programmers) deal with Assistive Technology devices and whether the usability of a device can influence abandonment rates. We developed an electric-powered wheelchair system driven by eye tracking, and we performed usability tests (empirical and analytical evaluation methods) of this Assistive Technology device. The developed device was evaluated by two groups of volunteers: seven (7) developers with experience in Assistive Technology and five (5) users with severe motor disabilities. The participants found many usability issues in the developed system. We also realized that developers and users think differently about the development requirements of the device. Thus, it is possible to suggest that there is a need for discussion between developers and users before the development of an assisted device. Prior to the development of an Assistive Technology device, it is important to consider the opinion and point of view of users and developers. Following this path increases the chances that an assisted device will have a satisfactory usability evaluation and, consequently, user acceptance. In addition, there may be a decrease in abandonment rates on Assistive Technology devices.

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Funding

This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brasil (CAPES). Finance Code 001.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Assistive Technologies Group, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av Joao Naves de Avila 2160-Bloco 3N, Uberlandia, Brazil

    Ludymila R. Borges, Eduardo L. M. Naves & Angela A. R. Sa

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  1. Ludymila R. Borges
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  2. Eduardo L. M. Naves
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  3. Angela A. R. Sa
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Contributions

LRG developed the software, supervised the experiments and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. ELMN supervised, revised and gave the final approval of the manuscript. AARS has been involved in drafting the manuscript and revising it critically for important intellectual content and has given final approval of the version to be published. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Angela A. R. Sa.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

Approved by the Ethics Committee from Federal University of Uberlandia – Brazil. Prot. Number: CEP/UFU 37756614.0.0000.5152;

Consent to participate

Informed Consent Document was signed by the study participants and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Uberlandia – Brazil. Prot. Number: CEP/UFU 37756614.0.0000.5152;

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Borges, L.R., Naves, E.L.M. & Sa, A.A.R. Usability evaluation of an electric-powered wheelchair driven by eye tracking. Univ Access Inf Soc 21, 1013–1022 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-021-00809-z

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