An approach to identify assistive technology attributes for people with locomotor disability by using a refined Kano model

Abstract

This study aims to identify and evaluate the attributes of assistive products for people with locomotor disabilities using the refined Kano model. Thirty experts from various disciplines (product engineers and designers engineers, rehabilitation professionals, and users of assistive technology with locomotor disabilities) participated in the study. They were asked to complete a survey based on the Kano model questionnaire, which included functional and dysfunctional questions for each attribute. The findings reveal that performance, accessibility, functionality, and repairability are one-dimensional characteristics, while quality, modularity, intuitiveness, and aesthetics are attractive attributes. Affordability and durability are identified as must-be attributes. Subsequently, an importance scale was created on a 5-point Likert scale to further analyze the attributes based on the refined Kano model. The results indicate that functionality, quality, aesthetics, affordability, repairability, and durability are the vital attributes. Following this, a case study was conducted based on these attributes, focusing on the two most commonly used products in India: the ALIMCO basic manual wheelchair and the KARMA basic manual wheelchair. By incorporating identified attributes, manufacturers can establish marketing strategies that promote sustainable product development and enhance assistive product satisfaction among individuals with locomotor disabilities.