USABILITY TESTING OF A KINECT-BASED SENSOR SYSTEM TO AUTOMATE THE TIMED UP-AND-GO TEST

摘要

Understanding older adults’ preferences for technology is important for acceptance and adoption of future technologies. This study tested the operation of a Microsoft Kinect sensor system programmed to record the Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test in sample of seven senior center attendees and three staff, and solicited their response to using the system and interpreting fall-risk graphics. Participants viewed PowerPoint slides containing information on falls and TUG instructions, then performed the TUG test under observation but without additional prompting. Participants were asked to Think Aloud to illuminate difficulties encountered during task performance and were video-recorded with Morae software. Following two TUG trials, we provided participants paper-based prototypes of the feedback interface with their age-normed TUG time and estimated fall risk, conducted interviews focused on user experience, and administered the System Usability Scale (SUS). Nine of 10 participants performed the test correctly although six had questions about the instructions. Eight individuals expressed interest in monthly testing. Eight participants comprehended the TUG results graphics, but offered suggestions to enhance clarity. Satisfaction, rated with the SUS was high at 83.4%. Because deviations from specified sitting and walking positions resulted in missing data, clear environmental landmarks will be required for older adults to perform the TUG independently. Findings from this user experience study suggest that older adults may wish to self-monitor fall risk in a community setting and can interpret graphical fall-risk feedback. In addition, automating the system for senior center use will require precise configuration of the constituent equipment to each center’s space.