Field Testing

In this study, we will use a mock prototype of Opportunity Knocks that will determine a user's location using GPS signals, transmits the information to a human controller, and then respond to remote commands from a human controller. We will then implement trials of the simulated system with users to reveal design flaws and improvements. Such so-called "Wizard of Oz" studies, where a human user controls the device, are a primary methodology developed in the Human Computer Interaction field for creating good user interfaces.

The mock Opportunity Knocks will have both a graphical interface and an audio (earpiece) interface that are designed to be rapidly re-configurable. We will run these studies of the mock Opportunity Knocks with different interface modalities (graphical versus audio), designs (e.g., graphic icons versus text), and prompting strategies (e.g., prompting whenever the user may be lost versus prompting only when the user definitely appears to be lost).

The first studies will involve researchers, faculty, staff and students acting out scenarios developed previously. Measurements will be made of both speed and accuracy of user task performance (e.g., completion of a "recovery from wandering" scenario by the test group of individuals and measurements of user satisfaction). Feedback from these experiments will be used to refine the interfaces, and the new interfaces will be subject to another round of testing.

Eventually a prototype device that functions without a human controller will be developed and tested in a similar fashion. In this phase, these iterative design studies will be conducted in the field with student, faculty, and staff participation, but not the participation of individuals with cognitive disabilities.

Although Opportunity Knocks is eventually intended for use by individuals with cognitive disabilities, no individuals with cognitive disabilities will participate in these studies because of the potential for harm as a result of device failure. Later, once the prototype device has been field tested extensively with individuals without cognitive disabilities, we will submit a full committee modification of this human subjects application to add device testing with individuals with cognitive disabilities.

Status

We have received human subjects approval and are in the process of developing the devices, interfaces and protocols to be used in this study.