User-Centred Design of a Final Results Report for Participants in Multi-Sensor Personal Air Pollution Exposure Monitoring Campaigns

Abstract

Using low-cost portable air quality (AQ) monitoring devices is a growing trend in personal exposure studies, enabling a higher spatio-temporal resolution and identifying acute exposure to high concentrations. Comprehension of the results by participants is not guaranteed in exposure studies. However, information on personal exposure is multiplex, which calls for participant involvement in information design to maximise communication output and comprehension. This study describes and proposes a model of a user-centred design (UCD) approach for preparing a final report for participants involved in a multi-sensor personal exposure monitoring study performed in seven cities within the EU Horizon 2020 ICARUS project. Using a combination of human-centred design (HCD), human–information interaction (HII) and design thinking approaches, we iteratively included participants in the framing and design of the final report. User needs were mapped using a survey (n = 82), and feedback on the draft report was obtained from a focus group (n = 5). User requirements were assessed and validated using a post-campaign survey (n = 31). The UCD research was conducted amongst participants in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and the results report was distributed among the participating cities across Europe. The feedback made it clear that the final report was well-received and helped participants better understand the influence of individual behaviours on personal exposure to air pollution.

Empowering Participatory Research in Urban Health: Wearable Biometric and Environmental Sensors for Activity Recognition

“…Reviewing TAD data in this study, in collaboration with the participants, showed a possible error rate of up to 5–10% for each activity. To reduce the probability of human error, different approaches are employed, e.g., user-cantered study design to construct better TADs [ 14 ] and using GPS and other variables as activity identifiers to reduce manual input [ 15 , 16 , 17 ].…”

Assessment of Individual-Level Exposure to Airborne Particulate Matter during Periods of Atmospheric Thermal Inversion

“…This study used next-generation sensing and monitoring (NGSM) technology—a wearable PM monitor—to determine how these types of devices could provide fine-grained spatiotemporal resolution of personal exposure to PM 10 in a period of persistent ATIs and immediately after, based on individual activities and microlocations. Individual-level exposure assessments were based on data obtained from personal PM monitors (PPM) used as part of the ICARUS H2020 project [ 27 ], where participants carried the devices for one week in a heating and non-heating season, and additionally provided hourly data on their activities, transport mode, and microlocations [ 28 ].…”