A SmartDisability Framework: Enhancing User Interaction

This paper introduces the SmartDisability Framework to consider mappings between disability type, Range of Movement and interaction mediums to produce technology and task recommendations to enhance user interaction. The SmartDisability conceptual model (based on the familiar disability symbol) and extracts from the initial development stage of the Framework are presented. The Framework has been populated through the knowledge obtained from state of the art literature reviews of disability classification, Range of Movement, interaction mediums, 'off-the-shelf' technologies and tasks. The Framework was augmented by requirements elicitation results and a described usability evaluation involving a simulation of the SmartATRS smartphone system to control the Automated Transport and Retrieval System (ATRS). ATRS is a technically-advanced system that enables a powered wheelchair (powerchair) to autonomously dock onto a platform lift of a vehicle using an automated tailgate and a motorised driver's seat. The usability of touch and head-based interaction methods were measured using System Usability Scale (SUS) and NASA Task Load Index (NASA TLX) and demonstrated that fingers were more usable interaction method, as head tracking required a full range of neck movement. This SmartDisability Framework is anticipated to be validated through focus groups utilising fictional personas that involve experts from the domains of healthcare, computing and occupational therapy. The framework will be routed to exploitation through the development of a smartphone or web-based application.