Exploring user capability data with topological data analysis

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of user capability data using Topological Data Analysis (TDA) (unsupervised machine learning) to extract insight. The aim was to explore the global shape and sub-groupings (clusters of profiles) of people using data collected from the Cambridge Better Design Pilot Study of 362 people from across England and Wales. The resulting topological network demonstrated the global shape of the sample and distribution of sensory, cognitive and motor capability across the sample. The TDA network was automatically grouped into 14 distinct clusters, and distinguishing features of each cluster was extracted. The results demonstrate the value of applying TDA to analyse and visualise user capability data, and it is proposed that the cluster descriptions could be used for developing empirically based design tools such as personas for Inclusive Design.