Evaluation of wearable device for the elderly (W-Emas)

Abstract

The use of wearable technology is one of the current approach to help and support the elderly in sustaining their daily lifestyle. The elderly face various constraints in handling and using new technology like the wearable technology. In this study, we provide an alternative approach to user interface based on the Tangible User Interface (TUI), instead of the Graphical User Interface (GUI). We built a wearable prototype in the form of a watch device which allows the elderly to control electrical and electronic appliances such the lights, lamp, fan and computer in their room; as well as their telephone for emergency calls. The wearable device was developed using the prototyping approach and evaluation was conducted through a usability testing based on four constructs: ease of use, effectiveness, efficiency and user satisfaction. Analysis was carried out based on the triangulation approach. The ease of use construct was measured using the standard System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire. The effectiveness construct was measured based on the time taken for task completion. The efficiency construct was measured based on the error rate and task completion rate. Both these tasks were conducted using the observational approach. For user satisfaction construct the interview approach was conducted.