Evaluation of Interactive Modalities Using Preference Factor Analysis for Wheelchair Users

Abstract

Losing the ability to move is one of the major issues that weaken the independent living ability of elderly/disabled people. To solve this issue, mobility assistive devices such as Intelligent Wheelchairs (IW) are being developed. In terms of the interactive modality, there are two main modality systems used in intelligent wheelchairs namely unimodal systems and multimodal systems. To justify the need for multimodal interactive capabilities over the unimodal interactive capabilities for an intelligent wheelchair, a proper human study should be conducted before developing the wheelchair. Studies that can be referenced in the existing literature have failed to compare the two interactive modalities using user preferential factors such as social factors, personal or individual factors, and technical factors. Technical performance analyses that have been conducted either excluded user perspective or excluded the interactive modality performance. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed analysis of a study that would comprehensively analyze not only the personal, social or cultural factors, also technical factors that would affect the final preferential outcome of the interactive modality system for a prospective wheelchair. This analysis is conducted from the user's perspective and further validates the performance of the interactive modality in a wheelchair user context through technical performance analysis. Also, this paper analyses the user preferential factors different age groups and social groups prioritize in selecting an interactive modality.