Assistive Technology (At) Usability And Adoption: Future Drivers

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 keymedical 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.