Usability of a Low-Cost Head Tracking Computer Access Method following Stroke

Abstract

Assistive technology devices for computer access can facilitate social reintegration and promote independence for people who have had a stroke. This work describes the exploration of the usefulness and acceptability of a new computer access device called the Nouse™ (Nose-as-mouse). The device uses standard webcam and video recognition algorithms to map the movement of the user's nose to a computer cursor, thereby allowing hands-free computer operation. Ten participants receiving in- or outpatient stroke rehabilitation completed a series of standardized and everyday computer tasks using the Nouse™ and then completed a device usability questionnaire. Task completion rates were high (90%) for computer activities only in the absence of time constraints. Most of the participants were satisfied with ease of use (70%) and liked using the Nouse™ (60%), indicating they could resume most of their usual computer activities apart from word-processing using the device. The findings suggest that hands-free computer access devices like the Nouse™ may be an option for people who experience upper motor impairment caused by stroke and are highly motivated to resume personal computing. More research is necessary to further evaluate the effectiveness of this technology, especially in relation to other computer access assistive technology devices.

Evaluating the usability of a co-designed power assisted exercise graphical user interface for people with stroke

“…Data collection methods which have been implemented in the testing of novel assistive technologies include user satisfaction questionnaires [ 35 , 36 ], task completion [ 25 , 26 ], task duration [ 25 ] and comparison between different devices [ 23 ]. Recurrent usability issues include difficulty donning and doffing [ 32 , 33 ], failure to complete tasks [ 37 ] and difficulty accessing emergency stop function [ 26 , 33 ].…”

A Pilot Study of the Psychosocial Impact of Low-Cost Assistive Technology for Sexual Functioning in People with Acquired Brain Injury

“…Occupational therapists and direct care professionals use devices of this kind for various reasons: (1) the high cost of some customized AT, which can be reproduced at a lower cost; (2) the absence of AT that meets the user's needs and preferences on the market; (3) the need to adapt an existing form of AT to make it suitable for the user. The scientific literature contains studies on low-cost AT, such as AT for mobility [18][19][20][21], AT for computer access [22,23], AT for educational activities [24], audio prescription [25], AT for blind people, e.g., creating graphics [26], wheelchair accessories [27], gloves for hand therapy [28], and, in recent years, 3D printers for making prostheses [29,30] and orthoses [31], which are increasingly widely used. The do-it-yourself movement has also influenced disabled people and their relatives to make their own low-cost AT [32,33] and users gather to share ideas at events such as the low-cost gatherings in Spain [34] or on websites like Thingiverse [35] or even Pinterest [36].…”

User Perspectives on Exergames Designed to Explore the Hemineglected Space for Stroke Patients With Visuospatial Neglect: Usability Study

“…The latter is usually applied in a smaller sample but provides personal thoughts from an insider’s perspective [ 18 ]. To date, most studies used questionnaires to assess users’ satisfaction with the intervention or product being tested [ 19 - 22 ]. Currently, there is a lack of evidence from studies examining the users’ perspective via application of qualitative methodologies [ 23 ].…”