Design Of Wearable Technology Research Articles

Perceptions of Wearable Health Tools Post the COVID-19 Emergency in Low-Income Latin Communities: Qualitative Study.

Mobile health (mHealth) wearable devices are increasingly being adopted by individuals to help manage and monitor physiological signals. However, the current state of wearables does not consider the needs of racially minoritized low-socioeconomic status (SES) communities regarding usability, accessibility, and price. This is a critical issue that necessitates immediate attention and resolution. This study's aims were 3-fold, to (1) understand how members of minoritized low-SES communities perceive current mHealth wearable devices, (2) identify the barriers and facilitators toward adoption, and (3) articulate design requirements for future wearable devices to enable equitable access for these communities. We performed semistructured interviews with low-SES Hispanic or Latine adults (N=19) from 2 metropolitan cities in the Midwest and West Coast of the United States. Participants were asked questions about how they perceive wearables, what are the current benefits and barriers toward use, and what features they would like to see in future wearable devices. Common themes were identified and analyzed through an exploratory qualitative approach. Through qualitative analysis, we identified 4 main themes. Participants' perceptions of wearable devices were strongly influenced by their COVID-19 experiences. Hence, the first theme was related to the impact of COVID-19 on the community, and how this resulted in a significant increase in interest in wearables. The second theme highlights the challenges faced in obtaining adequate health resources and how this further motivated participants' interest in health wearables. The third theme focuses on a general distrust in health care infrastructure and systems and how these challenges are motivating a need for wearables. Lastly, participants emphasized the pressing need for community-driven design of wearable technologies. The findings from this study reveal that participants from underserved communities are showing emerging interest in using health wearables due to the COVID-19 pandemic and health care access issues. Yet, the needs of these individuals have been excluded from the design and development of current devices.

The different contributions of the eight prefrontal cortex subregions to reactive responses after unpredictable slip perturbations and vibrotactile cueing.

Recent advancements in functional near-infrared spectroscopy technology have offered a portable, wireless, wearable solution to measure the activity of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in the human neuroscience field. This study is the first to validate the different contributions made by the PFC's eight subregions in healthy young adults to the reactive recovery responses following treadmill-induced unpredictable slip perturbations and vibrotactile cueing (i.e., precues). Our fall-inducing technology platform equipped with a split-belt treadmill provided unpredictable slip perturbations to healthy young adults while walking at their self-selected walking speed. A portable, wireless, wearable, and multi-channel (48 channels) functional near-infrared spectroscopy system evaluated the activity of PFC's eight subregions [i.e., right and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), frontopolar prefrontal cortex (FPFC), and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)] as quantified by oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin concentrations. A motion capture system and two force plates beneath the split-belt treadmill were used to quantify participants' kinematic and kinetic behavior. All participants completed 6 trials: 2 consecutive trials without vibrotactile cueing and with a slip perturbation (control trials); 3 trials with vibrotactile cueing [2 trials with the slip perturbation (cueing trial) and 1 trial without the slip perturbation (catch trial)], and 1 trial without vibrotactile cueing and with a slip perturbation (post-control trial). The PFC subregions' activity and kinematic behavior were assessed during the three periods (i.e., standing, walking, and recovery periods). Compared to the walkers' standing and walking periods, recovery periods showed significantly higher and lower levels of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin concentrations, respectively, in the right and left DLPFC, VLPFC, and FPFC, regardless of the presence of vibrotactile cueing. However, there was no significant difference in the right and left OFC between the three periods. Kinematic analyses confirmed that vibrotactile cueing significantly improved reactive recovery responses without requiring more involvement by the PFC subregions, which suggests that the sum of attentional resources is similar in cued and non-cued motor responses. The results could inform the design of wearable technologies that alert their users to the risks of falling and assist with the development of new gait perturbation paradigms that prompt reactive responses.

Gender and the Diversity of the Human Body as Challenges for the Inclusive Design of Wearable Technology

Particularly since the 1990s, there has been an active discussion on inclusive design and on the possibility of designing products that would be suitable for every kind of user. Wearable technology products that need to be in close contact with the user’s skin to function must be a good fit for the user’s body. As wearable technology has transitioned from a specialty of the “quantify-yourself” movement to a widespread, everyday item, the companies that create these products compete to appeal to ever-larger user groups. This study investigates how product designers in wearable technology companies interpret the idea of inclusive design when developing their products to fit large and diverse groups of users. Drawing on four case studies, this research shows how the diversity of the human body poses practical challenges for inclusive design. Yet, the findings also show that in addition to the biological differences between human bodies, inclusive design is also influenced by cultural understandings of gender.

Wearable EMG Sensor for Gait Rehabilitation using IoT

Interventions for movement dysfunction, including radiography and rhythmic planning, have demonstrated a significant increase in gait mechanics. While the optimum criteria for gait training are still to be determined, previous research shown that the training duration facilitates neural restructuring, thereby promoting the design of wearable technology for gait recovery. This work provides evidence of the advanced tool used to acquire muscle activity. Muscle activity is recorded and analyzed on Node micro controller unit, then sent to remote service using internet of things concepts, where message queuing telemetry transport protocol is used in the cloud based telemetry of the received signals and is given to the thing speak. The live recordings, along with the frequency variation of the gait in moving and stable condition, are also obtained on the central monitor using the MATLAB. By creating a device that can be used at home, patients would be able to practice and sustain longer recovery services on a regular basis, thus encouraging neural reorganization. This can also help us to monitor patient treatment progress even if the physiotherapist is not able to come and recorded data can be sent directly to them.

194 User Preferences for the Design of Wearable Technology Systems - A Scoping Review

Abstract Background Wearable technology is a fast developing area. Often, the focus of research is on accuracy, while the practicalities of using the device may be overlooked, despite the fact that this greatly influences utility. This scoping review therefore explored the design and usability preferences of people for wearable technology for health monitoring. Methods A scoping review was conducted of literature evaluating user preferences for the design of wearable technology systems, for people aged >50 years, with good health, or chronic diseases. Results A search of relevant databases yielded 628 potential studies (after duplicates removed). Following title/abstract and then full text screening, 17 papers were included. The most commonly reported theme related to design and user interface (13 studies). Users wanted a small, unobtrusive and light device which doesn’t snag on clothing or affect activities of daily living, but yet has a readable and easy-to-use interface, which may prove challenging for designers! Users were most happy to wear a device on the wrist and/or hip region, being considered the least obtrusive / most discrete. Users were open to the technology aspects of the device, but wanted specific training, or clear and readable instructions. Less commonly reported parameters included issues with privacy and ownership of data (two studies); cost (two studies); reliability and accuracy (three studies), including being accurate overnight and in the shower, etc.; and clinical usefulness, i.e. the data being effectively linked with other healthcare data. Where considered, participants didn’t want to wear a device by night (two studies). Safety of wearable devices was not a theme in any study. Conclusion Overall, user needs seem to be rarely considered in the design of wearable technology for health monitoring. However, the limited studies do highlight important user concerns, which should be considered by the technology designers and prescribers.

255 An Exploration of the Feasibility and Acceptability of Wearable Technology in Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract Background Wearable technology is increasingly used to diagnose, monitor and manage neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease (PD). This study aims to gain information about the views and needs of people with Parkinson’s (PwP’s) regarding wearable technology for monitoring the disease and assisting its management. Methods The study employed a mixed methods parallel design, wherein focus-groups and questionnaires were concurrently conducted with people with PwP’s in Munster. Questionnaires and topic guides were developed with significant input from PwP’s. The participants for focus-groups were purposively sampled for variation in PD stage, age (all >50 years) and sex. Questionnaire and focus-group results were analysed together, using a pragmatic triangulation protocol. Results Thirty-two questionnaires were completed by PwP’s. Four semi-structured focus-groups were held (n=24 participants). Participants were overall positive about wearable technology in PD, and perceived benefits in wearable technology for improved management of symptoms. Wearables should be user-friendly, have an appealing design, and demonstrate clinical usefulness. Comfort and discrete design were emphasised for greater usability. The value of sharing information between PwP’s and health professionals for improved outcomes was highlighted. PwP’s perceived that increased patient data in the form of reliable information from a wearable device may allow for more accurate management of PD. Participants also felt that a device could help increase physical activity, and potentially track compliance with medication. There was little focus on device safety and privacy/ownership of data. While participants anticipated that there may be challenges for some in wearing a device, they believed overall potential benefits would outweigh these. Conclusion Engagement of PwP’s in the design of wearable technology is vital for the development of devices that improve the management of PD. This study will directly inform a multi-country feasibility study of wearable devices for older people, with a particular focus on the needs of PwP’s.

Design Considerations in Wearable Technology for Patients with Bipolar Disorder

This proceeding examines the unique aspects of wearable sensor technology in the domain of bipolar disorder. Specifically, the proceeding examines the current literature on the use cases, design, data analysis models, and ethics to identify the design implications for the future design of wearable technology for people diagnosed with bipolar disorder and, potentially, other affective disorders. As a result, suggestions have been proposed to enhance the human– computer interaction between the user and device, a critical aspect in design as defined by the patients.

WEAR: Wearable technologists engage with artists for responsible innovation: Processes and progress

Wearable technologies are a nascent market, growing exponentially and moving into our everyday lives more and more. They are exciting in their capacity to break down barriers between artists and designers and digital technology companies. Technology is becoming more efficient, accurate, and personalized. Hardware is becoming smaller, less visible, more connected and the collected data more seamless and ubiquitous. At the core of the wearable technology concerns is the amount of data that electronics companies are allowed to collect, in particular of their users’ personal data. Numerous technology companies and start-ups are working to make the next wearable device or application for body data tracking. This article provides a first critical analysis of the selection and monitoring processes used in these Open Calls and reports on initial work of the WEAR Sustain network, which for eighteen months has operated as a Pan-European catalyst for 46 projects in wearable technology design and development to the point of market and investment readiness, and discussing next steps for its Sustainability Toolkit for lasting impact.

Wearable Technology Design for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Wearable Technology Design for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Entre el derecho de los diseños y las patentes: la tecnología ponible

La Propiedad Intelectual se constituye en uno de los activos más importantes que tienen las empresas. Si bien tradicionalmente ha existido una clara diferencia entre los diseños industriales y las patentes al tiempo que debido a la propia naturaleza del diseño surgió la necesidad de plantear diversas posibilidades de tutela en torno a esta figura, el desarrollo tecnológico podría llevarnos a cuestionar los actuales mecanismos de protección. La tecnología ponible se encuentra en auge e implica una interacción de dos sectores que son aún materia de análisis, discusión y falta de consenso: la moda y la tecnología. Consideramos que podría llegar a producirse la desnaturalización del diseño industrial ante la inminente posibilidad de aceptación de una omisión de la forma con función que sumada a la poca claridad que existe respecto a la tutela de diseños no registrados y carencia normativa en torno a los diseños de tecnología ponible nos conducirían a un obligado análisis sobre la pertinencia de aplicación de los mecanismos legales actuales en el ámbito tecnológico y la necesidad de contar con normativas acordes a las innovaciones tecnológicas existentes.

Low-Cost Methodology for Skin Strain Measurement of a Flexed Biological Limb.

The purpose of this manuscript is to compute skin strain data from a flexed biological limb, using portable, inexpensive, and easily available resources. We apply and evaluate this approach on a person with bilateral transtibial amputations, imaging left and right residual limbs in extended and flexed knee postures. We map 3-D deformations to a flexed biological limb using freeware and a simple point-and-shoot camera. Mean principal strain, maximum shear strain, as well as lines of maximum, minimum, and nonextension are computed from 3-D digital models to inform directional mappings of the strain field for an unloaded residual limb. Peak tensile strains are ∼0.3 on the anterior surface of the knee in the proximal region of the patella, whereas peak compressive strains are ∼ -0.5 on the posterior surface of the knee. Peak maximum shear strains are ∼0.3 on the posterior surface of the knee. The accuracy and precision of this methodology are assessed for a ground-truth model. The mean point location distance is found to be 0.08 cm, and the overall standard deviation for point location difference vectors is 0.05 cm. This low-cost and mobile methodology may prove critical for applications such as the prosthetic socket interface where whole-limb skin strain data are required from patients in the field outside of traditional, large-scale clinical centers. Such data may inform the design of wearable technologies that directly interface with human skin.

What we'll wear

We're all going to end up wearing more technology, but how will it be organised. In previous columns I have written about the design of consumer electronics devices and gadgets. However, while I am a research scientist, I am also a futurologist, so I want to look a bit further into the future of devices this time, with a particular emphasis on the wearable possibilities. How might we embrace more natural and integrated methods of interacting with gadgets of the future? What benefits and disadvantages might this bring? There are already plenty of ways for people to wear electronics. In Japan (more so than in Europe), the humble mobile phone is more likely to be worn on a lanyard around the neck as an explicit and colour-coordinated fashion accessory than to be tucked away in a bag or pocket as is often the case in Europe. Many business users of BlackBerries will have their device, perhaps among many others, clipped to their belt in its plastic holster, with some actually feeling quite vulnerable if it isn't there. Apple's first iPod Shuffle was designed to be worn around the neck and the later, smaller edition was fitted with a clip. Under the careful guidance of its producer and designer, the iPod has spawned a whole ecosystem of accessories. The now iconic white ear-buds were designed to be seen and to stand out as people wore them. The telltale sign of white wires leading to someone's ears did more to market the world leader in music players than any more discreet wireless ear-buds could have. Among the iPod accessory ecosystem are a number of items of clothing, including jackets. The jackets not only have a dedicated pocket to keep the music player safe, but also buttons and sometimes a display woven into the sleeve so that the player can be controlled without removing it. The ear-buds may also be integrated into the clothing. These are the early days of wearable technology, when the smart materials industry is in its infancy. We'll reach a point when the task of making ever-more complex consumer electronics devices simple to use will need to go beyond single areas of evolutionary improvement, such as a touch and point mechanism for the user interface. Designers will need to think again about the whole device, how it presents ideas to the user, and how it fits into people's lives. One way that this will be possible is for the functions to be spread across a number of cooperating parts, each of which are individually simple, but which together provide more value to a user than simply the sum of the parts. This will be supported by high-bandwidth, short-range wireless technologies. And many of these device parts will be wearable in future. So it's possible to imagine a world in which the key identity authentication function is provided by a device that is very discretely and securely worn on, or even within, the human body. The display might be provided by special glasses that the user wears as normal spectacles, or even as active contact lenses projecting directly onto the retina. Gestures may be sensed by the clothing we wear and used to control some applications. Progress is already being made in understanding signals from the brain, in controlling artificial limbs for example it's not a great leap from this to thinking about what you want other devices to do and for them to be able to respond In the shorter term, we may find jewellers providing the initial high-end forays into wearable device parts. Earrings are an obvious candidate to become handy speakers, and a necklace might make a good candidate for a microphone and camera. Maybe a ring on the finger could provide authentication and secure storage, or even a direction indicator for navigational purposes? A few issues need to be overcome to make wearable devices practical, in addition to achieving their cultural acceptance. Wearing your gadgetry might be very convenient, but may also be very inconvenient when dressing in the morning. The materials must provide instant snap-on wireless connectivity because, apart from the most incurable technophile, wiring yourself up each time you dress is not an option. And there are lesser aspects of waterproofing and washability to deal with. Combined with, or maybe being borne out of, the inevitable expansion of ubiquitous sensor networks, perhaps beginning with RFID use after the clothing has been purchased, humans will wear increasing amounts of technology. Let's hope that the winners in the design of wearable technologies are more like those who created the iPod than those behind many of the other products that have hit the streets in recent years or we could be wearing some very strange stuff indeed.