Abstract
The aim of this chapter is to demonstrate the importance of usability in the development, adoption and effectiveness of assistive technologies (AT). Usability engineering as well as related approaches, including human factors, inclusive design and acceptability are explained. The importance of considering device usability is highlighted through examples of adverse events that have resulted from issues associated with medical device design. The chapter goes on to introduce key medical device regulatory frameworks and standards. These have been produced to guide developers of medical devices (including applicable assistive technology) to improve user acceptance, device usability and safety. Usability engineering methods are listed with examples given of how these have been applied in the development of assistive technology devices within the Devices for Dignity portfolio of projects.
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Acknowledgements
Drs McCarthy and Moody are Theme Leads for the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Devices for Dignity MedTech and In vitro Diagnostic Co-operative (MIC). The work of the Devices for Dignity MIC is funded by the National Institute for Health Research. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the National Institute for Health Research or the Department of Health and Social Care.
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McCarthy, A.D., Moody, L. (2020). Assistive Technology (AT) Usability and Adoption: Future Drivers. In: Woodcock, A., Moody, L., McDonagh, D., Jain, A., Jain, L. (eds) Design of Assistive Technology for Ageing Populations. Intelligent Systems Reference Library, vol 167. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-26292-1_6
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