Article

The purpose of the study was the assessment of preferences for four types of
assistive technology (AT) domestic cutlery with 24 female and 10 male
participants who had a range of upper limb impairments. A mixed-methods
methodology, that included a paired comparisons analysis, was used to inform
product development. Qualitative and quantitative data collected at the time
provided triangulation of cohort preferences and insight into the reasoning of
the participants. The results indicate that a high friction surface on AT cutlery
handles is useful for all upper limb impaired users; however, the unconventional
shapes of the Caring Cutlery better match the grip patterns generated by those
with arthritis. Conventionally shaped handles are favoured by those who generate
conventional grip patterns. Statistical analysis of the paired comparisons
results indicated a clear preference for the Caring Cutlery by those with
arthritis. The Etan Cutlery set was favoured by those using one hand that
predominantly had hemiplegia following a stroke. The paired comparisons method
was used as part of a mixed methodology that was considered to be cost effective.
The authors concluded that the methodology was useful to help validate a new
inclusive/universal product design when the desired attributes are not accurately
known.

Langue : ANGLAIS