A Comparative Usability Assessment for Developing a Racing Handcycle

Objective: The purpose of this study was to proceed comparative usability assessment with products to improve usability, and apply the deducted improvement points and recommendations from the results to develop a racing hancycle.. Background: Since racing handcycles for people with disability are all imported products, localization is positively necessary for improving athletic performances. Therefore, a racing hancycle considering the usability and body types of domestic players has been developed and a comparative usability assessment were proceeded with first prototype and two imported goods athletes currently use. Method: A comparative usability assessment was conducted with one domestically developed racing handcycle prototype and two mostly used imported handcycles. Total four handcycle club players participated in this comparative usability test and same protocols and scenarios were applied to the participants. The comparative usability test included effectiveness which measures the error count, Efficiency which measures duration time, and Satisfaction of the users. All of these factors were quantitatively evaluated. Results: Among three products, domestically developed handcycle prototype indicated second high scores in Effectiveness, Efficiency, and Satisfaction. Especially in Satisfaction domain, the score difference was less than 0.2. Conclusion: As a result of the comparative usability assessment among three products, domestically developed handcycle showed second high usability.