Abstract:
Despite scientific and technological advances in the field of assistive technology (AT)
for peoplewith visual impairment (VI), technological designs are frequently based on
a poor understanding of the physical and social context of use, resulting in devices
that are less than optimal for their intended beneficiaries. To resolve this situation,
user-centred approaches in the development process of AT have been widely
adopted in recent years. However, there is a lack of systematization on the
application of this approach. This systematic review registered in PROSPERO
(CRD42022307466), assesses the application of the ISO 9241-210 human-centred
design principles in allegedly “user-centred designed” AT developments for persons
with VI (see Supplementary PROSPERO Protocol). The results point to a wide
variation of the depth of understanding of user needs, a poor characterization of
the application of the User Centred Design (UCD) approach in the initial design
phases or in the early prototyping, and a vague description of user feedback and
device iteration. Among the principles set out in ISO 9241-210, the application of
5.6: “the design team includes multidisciplinary skills and perspectives” is the one
for which the least evidence is found. The results show there is not enough
evidence to fully assess the impact of UCD in (1) promoting innovation regarding
AT products and practices, and (2) Judging if AT produced following such standards
is leading to better user access, wellbeing outcomes and satisfaction. To address
this gap it is necessary to, first, generate better implementation of UCD in AT
development and second, to strengthen evidence regarding the implementation
and outcomes of using UCD for AT. To better engage with the realities of persons
with VI, we propose capacity building across development teams regarding UCD,
its principles and components; better planning for UCD implementation; and
cross-fertilization across engineering disciplines and social and clinical science.
