“Functioning better is doing better”: older adults’ priorities for the evaluation of assistive technology

Figures & data

Figure 1. Nominal focus group process applied in this study.

Figure 2. Major themes generated in the qualitative analysis of nominal group recordings.

Table 1. Criteria with relevant quotes.

Criterion	Participant quotes
Comfort	“It has to be comfortable, it has to be easy, it has to be efficient or you’ll just leave it in the drawer.”
Cool factor	“I think it’s not just appearance, it might be function that makes [AT] cool. (…) it’s cool to be able to go and ride a wheelchair on a logging road.”
Aesthetics	“And you need [the AT] to look nice as well because otherwise there is a stigma of old people (…) a good design can reduce those stigmas.”
Ethical considerations	“Think about [developers] that were not upfront in Facebook and all the backtracking that they needed to do. All the major ethical issues that have gone about the side and so we can’t assume anything.”

Table 2. AT evaluation criteria identified by older adults with their importance score across groups.

Rank	Criterion	Importance score
1	Promotes independence	0.625
2	Affordable	0.375
3	Easy to use	0.258
4	Ethics	0.250
5	Reliable	0.167
6	Easy to learn	0.126
7	Prevents isolation	0.125
7	User control	0.125
7	Works well	0.125
8	Comfortable	0.094
9	Customizable	0.083
10	Low maintenance	0.077
11	Increases productivity	0.050
11	Technology and user support	0.050
11	Privacy and security	0.050
12	Efficient	0.036
12	Convenient	0.036
13	Easy to store/carry	0.031
13	Brings joy	0.031
14	Appearance	0.025
15	Easy accessibility for caregivers	0.023

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are not publicly available due to their containing information that could compromise the privacy of research participants. Please contact the Corresponding Author (J.M.R.) for further information.