Abstract
The purpose of the study was the assessment of preferences for four types of assistive technology (AT) domestic cutlery with 24 female and 10 male participants who had a range of upper limb impairments. A mixed-methods methodology, that included a paired comparisons analysis, was used to inform product development. Qualitative and quantitative data collected at the time provided triangulation of cohort preferences and insight into the reasoning of the participants. The results indicate that a high friction surface on AT cutlery handles is useful for all upper limb impaired users; however, the unconventional shapes of the Caring Cutlery better match the grip patterns generated by those with arthritis. Conventionally shaped handles are favoured by those who generate conventional grip patterns. Statistical analysis of the paired comparisons results indicated a clear preference for the Caring Cutlery by those with arthritis. The Etan Cutlery set was favoured by those using one hand that predominantly had hemiplegia following a stroke. The paired comparisons method was used as part of a mixed methodology that was considered to be cost effective. The authors concluded that the methodology was useful to help validate a new inclusive/universal product design when the desired attributes are not accurately known.
An insight into the preferences of a UK population who have upper limb impairment affecting the use of assistive technology (AT) cutlery
Generic heuristics to optimize AT cutlery described
A more effective methodology for AT product evaluation
A more robust basis for AT product design and development decision-making
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Dr Diane Gyi and Ms Anne Newman for their help in data collection and Nottingham Rehab Supplies Limited for their sponsorship to enable the data collection for this case study.
Declaration of interest
Nottingham Rehab Supplies Limited in part sponsored the study.