A tool developed by researchers from UPM allows us to
assess usability during the design and testing process of accessible ICT-based
applications.
Researchers from
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), led by María Fernanda
Cabrera-Umpiérrez, have developed a set of parametric cognitive virtual models
of users with disabilities that can be used to simulate the user interaction
with Information and communications technology (ICT) applications. This
simulation will allow researchers to develop more efficient and accessible ICT
applications for people with functional limitations and disabilities.
Despite the speedy
evolution of ICTs and the growing recognition of the importance of the concept
of universal design in all domains of daily living, mainstream ICT-based
product designers and developers still work without any truly structured tools,
guidance or support to effectively adapt their products and services to users'
real needs. In an attempt to improve this situation, researchers from Life
Supporting Technologies group (LifeSTech) have carried out a research within
the framework of VERITAS European project.
Firstly,
researchers identified the main cognitive functions and their corresponding
parameters that are relevant to each type of cognitive impairment of interest (Alzheimer's
disease patients, Parkinson's disease patients, and people with visual, hearing
and speech impairments).
Secondly, this
data was classified by using ACT-R cognitive architecture which interrelates
how people perform tasks with the parameters that define their cognitive
functions. Additionally, specific needs of end users and recommendations, such
as guidelines and parameters that support the developer decisions during the
design process, were included in the models.
In order to verify
these models, researchers from LifeSTech carried out the accessibility
evaluation of a real health monitoring system. Thus, three potential user
groups were simulated: with age-related cognitive decline, with visual
impairments and with motor disabilities. Results show that the developed
parametric cognitive virtual models of users are a virtual representation
similar to real users who are affected by functional limitations, age-related
cognitive decline and disabilities.
These models are
also a useful tool to assess the usability of applications throughout all
stages of the development process in order to guarantee the maximum level of
accessibility and interaction, as well as to carry out improvements before
testing with real and potential users in real or simulated environments.
This study is part
of a research line that aims to develop ICT-based applications for users with
cognitive impairment caused by chronic illnesses or disabilities.
According to María
Fernanda Cabrera-Umpiérrez, a researcher from LifeSTech group, 'We are also
working with virtual reality to develop cognitive trainings for patients
with mild
cognitive impairment (MCI) and early stages of Alzheimer's
disease. These cognitive trainings
are based on games for Parkinson's patients and computerized tools based on
sensors to carry out therapies for people with apraxia which is a disorder of
the nervous system characterized by an inability to perform purposeful
movements.
More information: Rebeca García-Betances et al. Parametric Cognitive Modeling of
Information and Computer Technology Usage by People with Aging- and
Disability-Derived Functional Impairments, Sensors (2016). DOI:
10.3390/s16020266
http://medicalxpress.com/news/2016-05-virtual-users-accessible-ict-based-applications.html
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