Master’s Thesis – Introducing Product Experience into Assistive Technology
In a pilot study my study group and I examined the practical challenges faced by a group of students with severe physical and cognitive impairments, when interacting with a specific Assistive Technology. Through this study, it was found that the functional purpose for which the Assistive Technology was built was not what the students found most attractive. Instead the most attractive qualities were three qualities closely connected to the concept of Product Experience. The thesis presented an investigation of the impact the introduction of a focus on Product Experience has on the usage of Assistive Technology. The design process of two Assistive Technology prototypes, built as input devices for the existing Assistive Technology, was presented. One focusing solely on extending functional capability, and the other having an additional focus on Product Experience. The two prototypes were then both evaluated on their ability to extend the functional capability of the users, for which it was built, and comparatively analyzed in relation to Product Experience. The results suggested that introducing an additional focus on Product Experience into Assistive Technology has the potential to enhance social interaction, engagement and enjoyment for this specific user group.