Effective use of storyboarding as a co-design method to enhance power assisted exercise equipment for people with stroke

Abstract

Power assisted exercise equipment designed to assist multi-directional movements represent an exercise solution for people with stroke. Users identified digitization of the equipment through a new Graphical User Interface (GUI) to display feedback on exercise performance as a development priority. The Medical Device Technology (MDT) framework was adopted to structure the four-stage digitization programme and ensure meaningful user involvement. This paper reports on stage two of the digitization programme, the aim of which was to create a prototype GUI. Storyboarding followed by participatory data analysis was selected as a co-design method to engage professional (n = 6) and expert (n = 8) end users to create artefacts and express preferences relevant to the design of the GUI. Four overarching themes emerged from thematic analysis of the data; (a) aesthetic format, (b) functional features, (c) exercise programme, (d) motivation and reward. The data was crystallized with external sources to generate a design criterion matrix which directed the first iteration of the prototype GUI. Storyboarding with participatory analysis was an effective method for engaging participants in the design of the GUI and associated user experience. This paper represents a novel application of storyboarding to the MDT framework in user centred digital design.

Keywords:

• Co-design
• storyboarding
• participatory analysis
• power assisted exercise
• stroke rehabilitation

Acknowledgements

The research team would like to extend our gratitude to the participants who contributed their time towards the co-design process reported in this article. We would also like to express gratitude towards the Shapemaster team for their engagement in this programme of research.

Disclosure statement

The work published in this manuscript is part of a programme of research examining power assisted exercise as part of the lead author’s doctoral study. An academic collaboration between the equipment manufacturer and Sheffield Hallam University exists in which machines have been provided for use in kind. There is no restriction or clauses on publishing negative findings.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Grow MedTech under Grant [POF00095].

Notes on contributors

Rachel Young

Rachel Young is a senior research fellow at the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) in Sheffield Hallam University. She is a neurological physiotherapist with interest in exercise for people with complex physical impairment. Her doctoral study focusses on supporting the transition from healthcare rehabilitation into community-based venues to optimize long term participation and physical wellbeing for the neurological population.

Karen Sage

Karen Sage is a registered speech and language therapist who aims to encourage NHS and university clinical staff, in particular, nurses and allied health professionals, to undertake clinically applied research and build a ground-swell of qualified, competent clinical researchers seeking to improve the health and wellbeing of their patients and clients.

David Broom

David Broom has been involved in the development, monitoring and evaluation of physical activity and weight management interventions. He is elected Chair of BASES Division of Physical Activity for Health and an Associate Editor of BMC Obesity. He is an appointed member of the Chief Medical Officers Adult Expert Working Group.

Andrew Hext

Andrew Hext specializes in sports performance analysis, in particular short-track speed skating analytics, within the AWRC’s English Institute of Sport and International Tennis Federation Research Partnerships. As part of his PhD studentship, Andy provided performance analysis support to the British Short-Track team in preparation for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Christine Smith

Christine Smith is Associate Dean Business and Enterprise for the College of Health and Life Sciences at Sheffield Hallam University. She has worked as a specialist physiotherapist in neurological rehabilitation and as Rehabilitation Co-ordinator in the NHS. Her research interests are in the use of technology to promote recovery of sensory-motor function.