Effectiveness and usability of Scanning Wizard software: a tool for enhancing switch scanning

Abstract

Scanning Wizard software helps scanning users improve the setup of their switch and scanning system. This study evaluated Scanning Wizard’s effectiveness and usability. Ten people who use switch scanning and ten practitioners used Scanning Wizard in the initial session. Usability was high, based on survey responses averaging over 4.5 out of 5, and qualitative feedback was very positive. Five switch users were able to complete the multi-week protocol, using settings on their own scanning system that were recommended from the Scanning Wizard session. Using these revised settings, text entry rates improved by an average of 71%, ranging from 29% to 172% improvement. Results suggest that Scanning Wizard is a useful tool for improving the configuration of scanning systems for people who use switch scanning to communicate.Implications for RehabilitationSome individuals with severe physical impairments use switch scanning for spoken and written communication.Scanning Wizard software helps scanning users improve the setup of their switch and scanning system.This study demonstrated high usability of Scanning Wizard (with 10 switch userpractitioner teams) and increased text entry rate by an average of 71% (for five switch users).Results suggest that Scanning Wizard is a useful tool for improving the configuration of scanning systems for people who use switch scanning to communicate.