Wednesday, 4 March 2020

Exercise: Research protocols for wheelchair driver + buddy

Research protocols for initial familiarisation driving a wheelchair and personally assessing the environment (physical, social, affective).

Roles:

  • 1x wheelchair driver - the driver role is required to follow the Narration research method by recording their descriptions (e.g. using smartphone audio recording function).
  • 1x wheelchair buddy- the buddy role is required to follow the Still-Photo Survey research method (e.g. using smartphone camera function).
  • +1 extra buddy if needed following the same or another selected protocol.

Instructions:

Test Case #1. Basic movement skills - using doors

Time allocation = 10 minutes

Starting from Q280 ThinkLab

Outbound & Return
  • Starting in Q280 ThinkLab.
  • Practice driving the chair in Q280.
  • Turn right/left.
  • Make your way down the corridor.
  • Turn around.
  • Return to Q280 ThinkLab.
  • Exchange driver/buddy roles.
  • End.

Test Case #2. Navigating public spaces -  using lifts and doors

Time allocation = 10 minutes

Starting from Q280 ThinkLab

Outbound
  • Turn right/left.
  • Make your way to a lift.
  • Take the lift to the 1st floor.
  • Make your way to the print/copy room.
  • Exchange driver/buddy roles.


Return
  • Turn right/left.
  • Make your way to a lift.
  • Take the lift to the 2nd floor.
  • Make your way to Q280 ThinkLab.
  • End.

Save Data

Share data gathered (voice recording and photos) in the group folder.

Notes:

Narration method (Category: ASK)
" How: As they perform a process or execute a specific task, ask participants to describe aloud what they are thinking.
Why: This is a useful way to reach user’s motivations, concerns, perceptions, and reasoning."
(IDEO, 2003)
Still-Photo Survey method (Category: LOOK)

" How: Follow a planned shooting script and capture pictures of specific objects, activities, etc.
Why: The team can use this visual evidence to uncover patterns of behaviour and perceptions related to a particular product or context, as well as structure and inspire design ideas."
(IDEO, 2003)