Advanced search

Framework for selecting assistive technology user-participation methods

E A Draffan (School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK)
Abi James (School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK)
Mike Wald (School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK)
Amal Idris (Department of Speech Therapy, Hamad Medical Corp, Doha, Qatar)

Journal of Assistive Technologies

ISSN: 1754-9450

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

Download as .RIS

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

To read the full version of this content please select one of the options below

You may be able to access this content by logging in via Shibboleth, Open Athens or with your Emerald account.
To rent this content from Deepdyve, please click the button.
Rent from Deepdyve
If you think you should have access to this content, click the button to contact our support team.
Contact us

We’re listening — tell us what you think

Join us on our journey