TY - JOUR
T1 - Freedom to Personalize Walking Aids: A User-Centric Design Framework for Age-Friendly Smart Canes
T2 - A User-Centric Design Framework for Age-Friendly Smart Canes
AU - Mao, Qian
AU - Teh, Pei Lee
AU - Wang, Stephen Jia
AU - Wang, Hailiang
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
PY - 2025/6/11
Y1 - 2025/6/11
N2 - Older adults often hesitate to use canes due to a mismatch between their specific needs. This study proposed a user-centric design framework, designed a personalized smart cane, and evaluated its usability through a user-centered design cycle. Initially, we recruited 142 older adults to explore their attitudes and requirements. A design framework for smart canes was then proposed, encompassing seven key elements: safety, user-friendliness, multifunctionality, ergonomic fit, education, modularity, and affordability. Other 25 older adults were further recruited to complete an after-scenario questionnaire and a system usability scale in the usability testing. The results indicated a high level of satisfaction (6.09 ± 0.93 scores) and good usability (80.40 ± 11.13 scores). The user-centered design cycle employed in this study proved effective in achieving a functional design, and the proposed framework provides valuable guidance for future mobility aid designs aimed at enhancing adoption and adherence among older adults.
AB - Older adults often hesitate to use canes due to a mismatch between their specific needs. This study proposed a user-centric design framework, designed a personalized smart cane, and evaluated its usability through a user-centered design cycle. Initially, we recruited 142 older adults to explore their attitudes and requirements. A design framework for smart canes was then proposed, encompassing seven key elements: safety, user-friendliness, multifunctionality, ergonomic fit, education, modularity, and affordability. Other 25 older adults were further recruited to complete an after-scenario questionnaire and a system usability scale in the usability testing. The results indicated a high level of satisfaction (6.09 ± 0.93 scores) and good usability (80.40 ± 11.13 scores). The user-centered design cycle employed in this study proved effective in achieving a functional design, and the proposed framework provides valuable guidance for future mobility aid designs aimed at enhancing adoption and adherence among older adults.
KW - intelligent technology
KW - mobility
KW - Older adults
KW - personalized design
KW - smart cane
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105010864211
U2 - 10.1080/10447318.2025.2526577
DO - 10.1080/10447318.2025.2526577
M3 - Journal article
AN - SCOPUS:105010864211
SN - 1044-7318
JO - International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction
JF - International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction
ER -
