Mobile phone usability study 2007 - project summary
The NovitaTech Research & Development department, with funding from the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA) is conducting a stu
dy into mobile phones.
This project aims to evaluate the hypothesis that currently available mobile phone products do not adequately meet the needs or desires of people with physical impairments due to disability or ageing. Furthermore, the project aims to identify and specify the features that will meet the needs of this consumer group.
The proposed methodology is to conduct a survey and focus groups in order to gain user perspectives on the usability of mobile phones. These approaches will be utilised to investigate the specific requirements of those with a disability and the ageing with regard to physical dimensions, look and feel and also required/preferred functionality of mobile phones.
The intended outcomes from the project are to gain the perspective of the elderly and those with a disability to:
- Determine whether existing mobile phones are usable.
- Identify the features of mobile phones that could be improved.
- Clearly define how the most appropriate solution would look, feel and function.
Survey/questionnaire
The project will conduct a questionnaire based survey of individuals with a physical disability or impairment and the elderly in Australia (200 plus participants). The survey will be anonymous and focus solely on products (existing and future) and their usability, rather than investigating the capability of the users.
Focus groups
In parallel to the survey the project will conduct 3 semi-structured focus groups each of approximately 10 people with:
- Allied health professionals working with the ageing and people with a disability.
- Individuals with a physical disability or impairment.
- The elderly.
The focus groups will be held at Novita Children's Services (171 Days Road, Regency Park, SA 5010) on the following dates and times:
- older people (over the age of 65) group - Monday 29 October 2007, 10am-12pm
- people with a physical disability group - Tuesday 30 October 2007, 10am-12pm
- allied health professional group - Wednesday 31 October 2007, 9am-11am.
Each group will be comprised of ten individuals and places will be filled on a first come basis. Focus group participants will be paid a $50 honararium for taking part.
RSVP to Toan Nguyen, Rehabilitation Engineer, by 22 October.
The focus groups will explore similar issues to the survey, but provide a forum for more in-depth investigation of the current benefits and limitations of existing mobile phones and also evaluation of existing technology and potential future solutions.
If you would like to participate in either the survey or focus groups (or for more information) please contact us using the details below:
- Email r&d@novita.org.au
- Phone 1300 85 55 85 local call rate within Australia
"Investigating the usability of mobile phones for the ageing and disability markets" was funded by the Australian Government through the Telecommunications Research Grants Program.
This page last updated: 14 May 2008
URL for this page: http://www.novitatech.org.au/content.asp?p=601
