Motivation:

• Needed for various RERC activities: R2, D2, R3, D3
• The team will develop an innovative tool for usabilityaccessibility analysis that integrates our collective expertise in ergonomics, usability engineering, universal design and biomechanics methods. It is to be mobile, web-based, and facilitate multi-site data collection and analysis.

Aim:

To develop and evaluate field tools for assessing medical instrumentation use by populations that include individuals with a diverse range of disabilities, culminating in a deliverable product that is developed and evaluated during Year 2 of the RERC-AMI. This project is scheduled to conclude early in Year 3 (i.e., early in 2005).

Specifications for Mobile Usability Lab (MU-Lab):

• Mobile, modular, wireless
• Integrated commercial products:
  • laptop with data interface board
  • wireless digital cameras (up to 4) with various tripods, and wireless/ environmental microphones
  • digital video codecs, time-stamped voice overlays
  • advanced video editing hardware and software that builds on Adobe Premiere
• Ergonomics software for video and audio data collection and analysis, with integrated capabilities for event sensors
• Web-based Protocol Manager of MU-Lab that helps guide a multi-site team through the accessibility and usability process

Process:

• A prototype system was developed at University by a joint team from both the Medical Device Accessibillity & Usabillity Lab at Marquette University and the University of California Ergonomics Lab. This process involved development of design specifications and subsequent implementation of prototype tools. Through an iterative process, a working MU-Lab system was developed and then implemented at both sites. Both systems were sucessfully demonstrated at the March 2004 meeting of the Advisory Council in Alameda CA, with refinements and improvements continuing through the spring-summer of 2004.
• The MU-Lab prototype is currently being used for 5 IRB-approved human subjects studies. Several of these specifically target use of the tool for a variety of medical devices, each used by individuals with a diversity of functional impairments and abilities.