Checklist for conducting research with motor impaired users

Original post by former Foolproofer Rob Godsmark.

Over the last three months we have been carrying out both focus groups and depth interviews with motor impaired users.

Here’s my check list for facilitating smooth sessions:

Travel to the venue

• Supply taxis free of charge: this is a great way of getting people there on time and makes them less likely to drop out

• Make sure parking is close to the venue and wheel chair friendly

Facilities

• Double check width of doorways with venue

• Try and book ground level facilities. If this isn’t possible check size of lifts

• Provide large waiting areas with ample refreshments

• Make sure disabled toilets are easily accessible

• Contingency planning: most buildings account for 2% of inhabitants being disabled when an evacuation is needed for a fire

• Update plan with facility owners

Depth room setup

• Use a desk that can be altered in height allowing various sized wheel chairs to get close enough to naturally use mouse and keyboard

• Make sure monitor can be moved i.e. angle of screen

• Provide different types of mouse: Standard, Touch pad, Mouth controlled, or ask respondents to bring in their own assistive technology

• Allow screen magnification for those with visual impairments: potentially installing specific software

• Allow for potential input or translation by a carer, especially if respondent uses sign language

• Health and safety: make sure there are no tripping hazards such as cables. Ideally, use purpose built disabled research facilities

The interview

• Keep sessions short (60 mins max) and allow regular breaks if needed
• It’s unlikely that respondents will have taken part in much research, if at all. Take the time to introduce yourself, the objective and who you are working with or for. Spend an extra 5 mins settling in respondents and reassuring them about mirrors, cameras and Morae
• Stipend: allow respondents to donate stipend to a charity of their choice and potentially match or double it

Summary

• Don’t underestimate the time and planning needed in preparing for research

• Emphasise and reassure respondents to maximise their insight

• Be flexible and go with the flow

28/03/11 Richard Caddick said:

Great to see this post, it's important that these experiences are shared. We'd tend to approach this type of testing differently - we always try to go into the participants home to conduct the tests in their natural surroundings with their own kit. In a facility it can be hard to recreate the normal technical set-up - which will effect the research. We'd recommend over-recruiting and conducting at least one dry run to assess the number of tasks you'll be able to cover in the session.