Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2024 May;19(4):1626-1636. doi: 10.1080/17483107.2023.2225556. Epub 2023 Jul 4.
E-textiles have been the focus of interest in health technology, but little research has been done so far on how they could support persons with complex communication needs. A global estimate is that 97 million people may benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Unfortunately, despite the growing body of research, many persons with complex communication needs are left without functional means to communicate. This study aimed to address the lack of research in textile-based AAC and to build a picture of the issues that affect novel textile-based technology development.
We arranged a focus group study for altogether 12 speech and language therapists to elicit user scenarios to understand needs, activities, and contexts when implementing a novel, textile-based technology in a user-centred approach.
As a result, we present six user scenarios that were created for children to enhance their social interaction in everyday life when using textile-based technology that recognizes touch or detects motion. The persistent availability and the individual design to meet a person's capability along with ease of use and personalization were perceived important requirements. Through these scenarios, we identified technological constraints regarding the development of e-textile technology and its use in the AAC field, such as issues regarding sensors and providing power supply. Resolving the design constraints will lead to a feasible and portable e-textile AAC system.
电子纺织品一直是健康技术领域关注的焦点，但到目前为止，关于它们如何支持具有复杂沟通需求的人，研究甚少。据全球估计，有 9700 万人可能受益于辅助和替代性沟通（AAC）。不幸的是，尽管研究越来越多，但许多具有复杂沟通需求的人仍然没有功能齐全的沟通手段。本研究旨在解决基于纺织品的 AAC 研究不足的问题，并了解影响新型基于纺织品的技术发展的问题。
我们安排了一次焦点小组研究，共有 12 名言语治疗师参与，以引出用户场景，了解在以用户为中心的方法中实施新型基于纺织品的技术时的需求、活动和情境。
因此，我们提出了六个用户场景，旨在通过识别触摸或检测运动的基于纺织品的技术，增强儿童在日常生活中的社交互动。持续可用性和针对个人能力的个性化设计、易用性和个性化被认为是重要的要求。通过这些场景，我们确定了电子纺织品技术发展及其在 AAC 领域应用的技术限制，例如关于传感器和提供电源的问题。解决设计限制将导致可行且便携的电子纺织品 AAC 系统。
