Evaluation methodologies of assistive technology interaction devices

Abstract

A great challenge on Assistive Technology (AT) is the evaluation phase of the interaction devices. Generally the gap between users and devices is discovered during the use. This fact highlights the relevance to discuss this barriers early in the design process, specially, in the evaluation phase. This paper explores current practices about evaluation methodologies for Assistive Technology (AT) interaction devices for people with motor disabilities, both considering the use of computers and TV-sets. To achieve this objective the results from a systematic mapping study about AT evaluation methodology and a field research was done in Portugal with experts in Assistive Technology Evaluation and end users. This field research was done, with a semi-structured interviews and for the data analysis, a content analysis of these interviews was carried out. The findings from this research suggest that there are key dimensions that should be addressed when evaluating AT: qualification issues remain most important, especially the developers' awareness of end user needs as barrier on computer access. Other important issues are economic barriers involved in the acquisition of AT interaction devices as well as the emotional issues involved in using these devices. Finally, the paper concludes with a discussion on directions for evaluation methodologies of AT interaction devices.