A conceptual framework for designing Ambient assisted living services for individuals with disabilities in Uganda and South Africa

Abstract

Background: Individuals with disabilities experience difficulty in using various everyday technologies such as computers and smartphones.Objectives: To propose a conceptual framework that will lead to the development of practical and user friendly assistive technology.Method: A literature review of challenges faced by individuals with physical disabilities was carried out. Interviews with adults with physical disabilities in Kampala, Uganda, and Port Elizabeth, South Africa, identified three main challenges with regard to using technology: using a mobile phone, controlling an electronic environment and using a computer.Results: The challenges identified can be solved by taking into consideration the needs of individuals with disabilities. However, the design of new technologies and interaction techniques, such as natural hand gestures and voice, as input mechanisms has able-bodied individuals in mind. Individuals with disabilities are considered as an afterthought. The main reason for this is that individuals with a disability are a minority and hence it may not make economic sense for technology innovators to cater for their unique needs. A lack of practical guidelines on how to design for individuals with disabilities is another reason why designing for individuals with disabilities is often an afterthought.Conclusion: This article proposes a conceptual framework that can be used by researchers and technology designers in order to design products that could cater for the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. The article also emphasises the importance of exploring alternative interaction techniques, as they could enable individuals with disabilities to fully utilise technologies such as smart phones, computers and smart home electronics.

Navigating services for consumers with disabilities: a comprehensive review and conceptual framework

“…Next, education for CwD (6%) has focused on facilities’ access to CwD (Amin et al , 2019; Soorenian, 2014) and the role of an inclusive campus environment (Gillies and Pedlar, 2003; Soorenian, 2014). Use of ICT for addressing CwD (9%) covered barriers to online services for CwD (Childers and Kaufman-Scarborough, 2009; Cohen et al , 2023; Goundar and Sathye, 2023; Okonji and Ogwezzy, 2018); accessible ICT-enabled services (Cassia et al , 2020; Chiscano and Darcy, 2022); ability of robots to create and destroy value (Kipnis et al , 2022) and identifying needs and designing effective technology (Hanson et al , 2007; Kyazze et al , 2019). Two papers take multiple contexts.…”

“…These issues arise because CwD service design mostly takes a medical approach (Khumalo and Ndlovu, 2017; Nicolaisen et al , 2012; Ravneberg, 2009) instead of focusing on the social model (CwD sensitivities and interpersonal relationships). The unimportance of accessible services for service providers (Ann Bross et al , 2023; Patterson et al , 2012; Stumbo et al , 2011); skepticisms and financial constraints of service providers (Kim et al , 2012; Mogaji and Nguyen, 2023; Rėklaitienė et al , 2016); CwD’s complex and heterogeneous needs (Kyazze et al , 2019; Randle et al , 2023; Randle and Zainuddin, 2022); lack of standard regulations, market structures and ideologies and state power (Budd and Ison, 2020; Eskytė, 2019; Foley, 2014; Ravneberg, 2009) also pose accessibility challenges.…”

“…The necessity for value co-creation and participatory design is heightened due to the heterogeneity of the CwD market and the various preferences and values sought from a service (Randle et al , 2023; Randle and Zainuddin, 2022; Strain et al , 1998). Using value co-creation strategies in designing services for CwDs will enable service designers to recognize, manage and solve the complex demands of their CwD (Baker et al , 2002; Burns et al , 2009; Kyazze et al , 2019; Sisto et al , 2022). Additionally, the participation of the end-users in designing a service would ultimately produce synergy between the service providers and the users, benefitting both the stakeholders within the servicescape (Chiscano, 2021; Hanson et al , 2007; Ravneberg, 2009).…”

“…Authors' own work barriers to online services for CwD(Childers and Kaufman- Scarborough, 2009; Cohen et al, 2023; Goundar and Sathye, 2023;Okonji and Ogwezzy, 2018); accessible ICT-enabled services(Cassia et al, 2020; Chiscano and Darcy, 2022); ability of robots to create and destroy value(Kipnis et al, 2022) and identifying needs and designing effective technology(Hanson et al, 2007;Kyazze et al, 2019). Two papers take multiple contexts.…”