The use of smart glasses for EC v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The impact of smart glasses on the usability and satisfaction of operating an environmental control system or communication aid.
IRAS ID
339265
Contact name
Graham Henderson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Lothian
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 27 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Environmental control systems are a type of assistive technology that can be controlled by a wide variety of different methods (e.g. switches) and can assist people with physical disabilities to control various electronic devices in the home. Communication aids are designed to assist people who have difficulties speaking to communicate. Both systems are designed to provide independence and potentially could have a positive effect on quality of life.
The majority of communication aid and environmental control systems aimed at high end users require a screen to be mounted in front of the user. The limitations with this are that the user is only able to access their device when it has been suitably mounted in front of them. There are occasions when mounting devices in front of the user is difficult due to other considerations for example transfers in and out of a wheelchair. As smart glasses can potentially be worn at all times during the day this could provide an effective alternative solution.
The purpose of this study is to explore with service users the usability and satisfaction provided by smart glasses when operating a communication aid/environmental control system. The study will achieve the above aim by undertaking a satisfaction questionnaire prior and post a 3 week trial of using smart glasses with their device. In addition an interview will be carried out with participants to explore the impact that smart glasses has had on the usability of their device.
Participants will be recruited by contacting eligible patients of the NHS Lothian Environmental Control Service and communication aid service. The end point of the study will be 8 months from the start date (allowing for follow up data to be collected for anyone recruited towards the end of the 6-month recruitment period).
Summary of Results
After using an environmental control system (an assistive technology device used to control electronic equipment in the home) with smart glasses as a display, the most reported advantage by the users in this study was the use of the system in alternative positions where it is challenging to mount a standard display. The reported usability disadvantages ranged from the smart glasses creating a visual barrier, slipping down the nose, or issues relating to being tethered. The participants reported many points for improvement which could be implemented as inherent design and/or customisable features of the smart glasses. Future work should explore an alternative model and more customisable versions of the smart glasses and to re-test the satisfaction of a larger group of users after using the smart glasses for a longer period with additional service support. If the above issues are addressed, then smart glasses have the potential to be another solution for environmental control service clinicians to have available for assisting people to improve their independence.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0057
Date of REC Opinion
22 Mar 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion