User perceptions of existing home access solutions and a novel home access device

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate end user perspectives of four existing home access solutions (HAS) and a newly designed experimental device (the ARISE). Method: A cross-sectional design was used to evaluate the ARISE prototype against other HAS. Specifically, participants trialed stairs, a ramp, a platform lift (PL), a stair glide and the ARISE, after which they completed questionnaires aimed at soliciting their perspectives of these solutions. The time taken by participants to use each HAS was also collected. Results: Five HAS design features were deemed as important by 90% of participants: ease of use, ability to use independently, reliability, safety and security. Time taken to use each HAS from fastest to slowest was: stairs, the ARISE, ramp, PL and stair glide. The ARISE prototype was rated as the first or second most preferred device by the most number of participants, followed by the PL, then the ramp. Conclusions: Results from this study provide greater understanding of user perspectives of HAS. End user feedback on a novel prototype device has provided valuable insight into its usability and function, which should not only guide future development of this device, but also provide direction for other innovations around home access.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• It is anticipated that gaining a better understanding of strengths and weaknesses of home access solutions will:

• assist clinicians and end users in finding solutions that meet the individuals' needs.

• lead to the development of new or improved solutions that more closely address user needs.

• encourage further innovation in the area.

Keywords:

• Accessibility
• aging in place
• evaluation
• home access
• independent living
• usability
• user-centred design

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all team members, students and study participants involved in all aspects of this work.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declarations of interest.

The authors would like to acknowledge NSERC Idea to Innovation grant I2IPJ428619, the Rick Hansen Institute Grant 2014-01, Canada Research Chairs, and BCIT's School of Construction and the Environment Green Values Strategies Fund for their financial support of this project.