Same needs but different meanings. A comparison and analysis of the individual assistive mobility transfer device needs of four different categories of users

Abstract: The purpose of this licentiate thesis is to contribute to the knowledge about user needs for individual mobility assistive technology (AT) transfer devices. Two qualitative user studies, which were part of a design project, constitute the empirical data. The studies consisted of semi-structured interviews with users that were analysed to identify the needs of users in four user categories (primary users, senior relatives as informal caregivers of relatives, professional home health caregivers, and orthopaedic ward hospital staff) for an individual mobility AT transfer device. The analysis aimed to identify and compare needs beyond those of functionality and usability. The findings showed that the needs of users in different user categories for an AT were partly the same, but that some needs were associated with different meanings and significance for different categories of users. Features communicating purpose, use and how to handle the device conveyed not only instrumental aspects, but also 'soft' aspects such as aesthetics and meaning. Whereas instrumental needs such as needs for functionality, usability, accessibility and security were equally important across user categories, the importance of 'soft' aspects differed.  Functional needs were relatively easy for the users to describe in detail compared to needs for aesthetics, meaning and emotional experiences and consequences of use although the 'softer' needs were described as equally important to be met for use and the ability to accept AT by the primary users.