Abstract

Background: In a super-aged society, there is increasing interest in the 'silver industry', leading to the development of various products. This study aims to conduct a usability test exploring consumers' walking assistive device (WAD) needs.

Methods: Usability tests (satisfaction survey and an in-depth interview) were conducted with 10 older adults and three stroke survivors, using four types of commercialized WADs (walking frames, rollators [Types A and B], and walking tables). Participants walked four courses (straight, obstacle, S-curve, and ramp) using the four types of commercialized WADs, after which they completed a satisfaction survey and participated in an in-depth interview. The satisfaction survey comprised six items covering stability, convenience, and functionality. All items were rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = not at all / no discomfort, 5 = very severe). Qualitative data from the interviews were analyzed using conventional content analysis.

Results: Both older adults (2.05 point) and stroke survivors (2.22 point)were preferred the rollator Type A. Older adults requested structural and functional improvements to enhance stability and convenience, while stroke survivors emphasized improvements that considered the characteristics of their condition.

Conclusion: Needs varied according to participant's physical characteristics, highlighting ergonomic designs tailored to individual users in the development of future WADs.