Needs identification methodology for inclusive design

ABSTRACT

Identification of user needs is an essential phase in the early stages of every design project. Many needs identification methodologies are described in the literature. When targeting users with special needs, the task becomes more challenging for different reasons (difficulty of retrieving information, performing prototype testing, etc.). This article presents a novel methodology, Needs Identification Methodology for Inclusive Design (NIMID), that guides the process of needs identification in the inclusive design scenario considering users’ physical, sensorial and cognitive capabilities. NIMID is grounded in Abowd and Beale's human–computer interaction framework and uses WHO's International Classification of Functionalities as the taxonomy that provides a common language. We exemplify the application of the methodology in the design of a smart oven for elderly people. We also compare NIMID with other methodologies evidencing its strong points: universality (common international classification of functioning language), systematicity (clearly defined phases and outcomes) and rationality (grounded in well-established interaction theory).

KEYWORDS:

• Needs identification
• inclusive design
• international classification of functionalities
• interaction

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Acknowledgements

The authors want to thank all the partners involved in the development of the Easy Line + project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

R. Blasco http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2286-9762

T. Blanco http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1831-3342

A. Marco http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7396-7840

A. Berbegal http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0972-7831

R. Casas http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5316-8171

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to acknowledge the extensive contribution of the Commission of the European Union to the funding of the Easy Line + project.