Finding the Right Fit: An Example of an Assistive Technology Consumer Evaluation

By Holly Bogdarus, EC-SEAT Scholar

When trying to find an assistive technology (AT) device or solution to meet an individual's needs, there are many considerations that must be made. While there are multiple models that help to instruct areas of importance, consumer abandonment is an often overlooked aspect of the decision process. In trying to evaluate a device, Batavia and Hammer (1990) identified the 17 factors that influence the way an individual consumer evaluates a device. These factors are:

1. Affordability: the extent to which the purchase, maintenance, and/or repair of the device causes financial difficulty or hardship to the consumer
2. Compatibility: the extent to which the device will interface with other devices currently and in the future
3. Consumer Repairability: the extent to which the average consumer (or his/her personal assistant) can repair the device if broken, including whether special repair equipment is needed
4. Dependability: the extent to which the device operates with repeatable/predictable levels of accuracy under all conditions of reasonable use
5. Durability: the extent to which the device will continue to be operable for an extended period of time
6.  Ease of Assembly: the extent to which the consumer (or his/her personal assistant) can easily assemble the device upon receiving it, including whether it is packaged conveniently
7. Ease of Maintenance: the extent to which the consumer (or his or her personal assistant) can easily maintain the device to keep it operable and safe, including whether it is easy to conduct all required maintenance, cleaning, and infection control procedures.
8.  Effectiveness: the extent to which the functioning of the device improves the consumers living the situation, as perceived by the consumer, including whether it enhances functional capability and/or independence.
9. Flexibility: the extent to which the device is provided with available options from which the consumer may choose
10. Learnability: the extent to which the consumer, upon initially receiving the device, can easily learn to use it and can start using it within a reasonable period of time once assembled, including whether specialized training is required.
11. Operability: the extent to which the device is easy to operate and responds adequately to the consumers' operative commands, including whether the controls and displays are accessible ads whether start-up time for each use is excessive.
12. Personal Acceptability: the extent to which the consumer is psychologically comfortable when using the device in public (or in private), including whether the device is aesthetically attractive.
13.  Physical Comfort: the extent to which the device causes physical pain or discomfort to the consumer
14. Physical Security: the extent to which the device is likely to cause physical harm, including bodily injury or infection, to the consumer
15. Portability: the extent to which the device can readily be transported to and operated in different locations, including whether the length of the battery charge and the size and weight of the device permit physical relocation
16. Securability: the extent to which the device can easily be kept within the physical control of the consumer to reduce the likelihood of theft or vandalism
17. Supplier Repairability: the extent to which a local supplier or repair shop can repair the device within a reasonable period of time, including whether the manufacturer must conduct repairs.

While some of these components are more relevant to computerized, medical, or complex devices, they can be still be used and applied to even the most basic and simple assistive devices on the market. While the list may seem long and daunting, it can be quite easy to find the answers you’re looking for and determine if a device meets acceptability in each of the above categories. Below you will find an evaluation of a low-tech AT device for adults, as an example.
 

The first device I found was the STANLEY brand panel carry. 

I found this at a Home Depot next to the area where they keep the wood panels. The device costs $6.97 and is designed to make the task of carrying large objects easier. This device could be beneficial in the workplace or possible home tasks/renovations or other large projects. This device eliminates a large amount of bending that is required in lifting such objects and can allow people with back injuries or difficulty in bending to perform this work task of transporting panels and other objects at waist level.

1. Affordability: At under ten dollars, this device is very affordable. There are no hidden costs or maintenance. The device is not covered by insurance and comes with no warranty, but is easily replaceable if broken.
2. Compatibility: While compatibility in the terms outlined does not apply to this device, the device can be used for carrying a range of panel widths without falling and makes the device compatible with the materials it was designed for. A review from Amazon also shows its compatibility with other materials and needs. The reviewer claims “PERFECT for removing or installing the doors on my 2013 Jeep Wrangle."
3. Consumer Repairability: Unfortunately, if the device were to break, a consumer may think they can repair it but it would be unsafe as common glues and tapes would be unreliable, and could cause the device to break while in use, and dropping an item such as wood or paneling can be extremely dangerous. If this tool was to break it would be in the consumers best interest to purchase a new one.
4. Dependability: The device holds a 4.5 out of 5 reviewers on the Home Depot website as well as on Amazon.com. Reviews claim that it is dependable for its intended purpose.
5. Durability: The device is made of thick, sturdy plastic and is highly durable. The device should last indefinitely if used for its intended purpose.
6. Ease of Assembly: The device is one solid, ready-to-use piece.
7. Ease of Maintenance: The device requires no maintenance or special storage.
8. Effectiveness: According to reviews on Home Depot and Amazon, the device is effective in it’s intended use. The device does not compromise any needs in its use or design. Granworks.com listed the device in their top 3 choices for a panel carrier.
9. Flexibility: Unfortunately, there are no options available for this device. There is limited flexibility in aesthetic color choice (a yellow version is available). There is also a green version through the Stanley website. All color options are considered “high-visibility”. There is also limited flexibility in length, a need in which can be varied for individuals to accommodate the height and comfort of carrying items.
10. Learnability: The consumer can begin using this device immediately. It requires no training, is intuitive, and features a pictured demonstration of the device in use.
11. Operability: Operability does not apply to this device as it is a very simple and direct tool. No routines, tests, or adjustments need to be made. The device features no controls and responsiveness does not apply.
12. Personal Acceptability: The device is well regarded by consumers and is used both in the home and work setting by consumers and professionals. The orange aesthetic is appropriate for work, but the limited color choices may limit some consumers’ interest for home use.
13. Physical comfort: The device causes minimal discomfort. The device is designed to alleviate discomfort associated with the bending and strain associated with carrying large panels. The handles are designed at a 10 degree angle to avoid hitting one’s hands against the panel being carried, and allow the wrist to be kept at a natural angle as described in the review by Granworks. However, the handle is a hard plastic and the device could benefit in this area by a rubber or cushioned grip.
14. Physical Security: The device does not impede blood flow or pose any physical threats. There are no sharp edges with may cause a cut and/or infection, and poses no threat of bodily injury. The handles are also angled at 10 degrees away to avoid hitting one’s knuckles against the panel being carried, as described by the manufacturer.
15. Portability: The device is lightweight and weighs less than one pound. It is easily transported as needed and takes up little space. The design also allows other items to be packed in or around it as there is a large gap and it’s not a solid wall of plastic.
16. Securability: This device may be difficult to secure. It is small, lightweight, and easily transportable. It is also a tool that may be used on the worksite or outside the home. If left unaccompanied or in an unsecured area it could easily be stolen.
17. Supplier Repairability: There is no safe repairability with this device. If it were to break the only choice is to replace it.

Reference: Andrew I® Batavia, JD, MS ; Guy S . Hammer, BSEE, PE. (1990). Toward the Development of Consumer-based Criteria for the Evaluation of Assistive Devices. Journal of Rehabilitative Research and Development Vol. 27 No. 4. Pages 425-436.