Automatic Detection of User Abilities through the SmartAbility Framework

Abstract

This paper presents a proposed smartphone application for the unique SmartAbility Framework that supports interaction with technology for people with reduced physical ability, through focusing on the actions that they can perform independently. The Framework is a culmination of knowledge obtained through previously conducted technology feasibility trials and controlled usability evaluations involving the user community. The Framework is an example of ability-based design that focuses on the abilities of users instead of their disabilities. The paper includes a summary of Versions 1 and 2 of the Framework, including the results of a two-phased validation approach, conducted at the UK Mobility Roadshow and via a focus group of domain experts. A holistic model developed by adapting the House of Quality (HoQ) matrix of the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) approach is also described. A systematic literature review of sensor technologies built into smart devices establishes the capabilities of sensors in the Android and iOS operating systems. The review defines a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as search terms used to elicit literature from online repositories. The key contribution is the mapping of ability-based sensor technologies onto the Framework, to enable the future implementation of a smartphone application. Through the exploitation of the SmartAbility application, the Framework will increase technology amongst people with reduced physical ability and provide a promotional tool for assistive technology manufacturers.

SmartAbility: Detection of reduced physical abilities through smartphone sensors

“…The key finding being that technology suitability is determined by user abilities rather than physical conditions. Prior to the development of the application, a systematic literature review was conducted to ascertain the capabilities of sensor technologies to detect user abilities (Whittington et al 2018). The results of the review informed the design for the application that was based on the first version, which relied on manual input to detect the actions that users could perform.…”

“…The aim of the framework is to recommend technologies and interaction mediums based on those user abilities. The SmartAbility Framework consists of four elements: Physical Conditions, Abilities, Interaction Mediums and Technologies, fully described by Whittington et al (2018). Validation of the framework was performed in two phases involving people with reduced physical ability and domain experts from healthcare and technology.…”

Detecting physical abilities through smartphone sensors: an assistive technology application

“…The Framework evolved from previously conducted requirements elicitations, feasibility trials, controlled usability evaluations and validation . The initial requirements elicitation phase identified the tasks that were challenging for the user community (Whittington et al 2018), followed by the feasibility trials of technologies to determine their potential in providing assistance with daily tasks. The Framework was subsequently developed by analysing physical conditions through the International Classification of Functioning (ICF), Disability and Health Framework (World Health Organization 2001).…”

“…An overview of the Framework is provided, as well as a systematic literature review of built-in sensor technologies in smart devices, based on four research questions we previously defined (Whittington et al 2018). The methodology and NASA Task Load Index and System Usability Scale results of a usability evaluation are also presented.…”

“…actions that users can perform independently. The framework concept was established in 2013 and evolved during four years of PhD research and enhanced through three years of ongoing Postdoctoral Research (Whittington et al 2018). During this period, four controlled usability evaluations were conducted as well as two framework validations.…”