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.
Highlights
The design of Assistive Technology (AT) tools, whether related to content that will be used in other programs or actual applications, has been shown in the past to benefit from user involvement where there is an understanding regarding the type of participatory methodology used in the process (Newell & Gregor, 2000)
As a framework to support the use of a particular participatory methodology, suitable for AT developments, the STREET analysis with the ranking of constraints linked to Radermacher’s (2006) degrees of participant involvement, was intended to be a useful decision making exercise
It allowed the authors to apply a systematic process to planning user participation across three different projects
Summary
The design of Assistive Technology (AT) tools, whether related to content that will be used in other programs or actual applications, has been shown in the past to benefit from user involvement where there is an understanding regarding the type of participatory methodology used in the process (Newell & Gregor, 2000). Inclusive or user-centred design based on human computer interactions, as originally described by Norman & Draper (1986), has been introduced to the assistive technology world by Newell and Gregor (2000) as ‘user sensitive inclusive design’. This collaborative approach is one with which the authors are familiar, having researched participatory methodologies with users of assistive technology for two previous research projects (Seale et al, 2008; Cudd et al, 2011). Project 2 focussed on a mathematical notation reading program for use by those who may have Dyscalculia or print disabilities that impacted on the ability to read equations Both projects needed to offer workable and sustainable technology solutions and involve potential users as part of the design process
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