Framework for selecting assistive technology user-participation methods
Journal of Assistive Technologies
ISSN: 1754-9450
Article publication date: 20 June 2016
Issue publication date: 20 June 2016
Abstract
Purpose
A number of participatory research methodologies can be used to assist with developing assistive technologies. These methods vary in the amount that users lead and contribute to the work. Selecting the correct method can be important to ensure the overall success of the project and the engagement of users. The purpose of this paper is to explore factors that can impact on the degree of user participation.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper considers whether criteria, that might influence assistive technology (AT) selection made during an assessment of need, review or purchasing process, could also be used to clarify the appropriate strategies for user involvement when developing assistive technologies. It outlines how this approach has been applied to two research and development projects which aimed to improve AT provision within niche markets.
Findings
The paper demonstrates that it is possible to apply a decision making process to selecting the best participatory research method, based on factors affecting AT need. It reports on the outcomes of the user participation in the two research and development projects and discusses how this design approach has been applied to a third project.
Originality/value
By examining a possible framework for identifying appropriate user-participation approaches, this paper will aid those designing research and development AT projects, whilst encouraging user participation within similar projects.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The Arabic Symbol Dictionary research was made possible by the NPRP award (NPRP 6-1046-2-427) from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of The Qatar Foundation) and all those team members and participants in Doha who have contributed to the work of the Arabic Symbol Dictionary team. The statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors.
STEMReader research was made possible by funding from the Department of Business Innovation and Skills and the Technology Strategy Board project managed by JISC TechDis and administered by the Higher Education Academy. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the Department of Business Innovation and Skills and the Technology Strategy Board, JISC TechDis or the Higher Education Academy.
Citation
Draffan, E.A., James, A., Wald, M. and Idris, A. (2016), "Framework for selecting assistive technology user-participation methods", Journal of Assistive Technologies, Vol. 10 No. 2, pp. 92-101. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAT-01-2016-0007
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited