Mixed reality technologies for people with dementia: Participatory evaluation methods

TL;DR

This paper explores participatory evaluation methods for mixed reality technologies designed for people with dementia, emphasizing the need for inclusive assessment techniques that accommodate their communication limitations.

Contribution

It introduces novel participatory evaluation approaches tailored for MRTs for PwD, addressing challenges in assessing physical-virtual couplings with non-verbal users.

Findings

Usability evaluation methods adapted for non-verbal PwD

Challenges identified in assessing physical-virtual interactions

Proposed participatory methods for inclusive MRT evaluation

Abstract

Technologies can support people with early onset dementia (PwD) to aid them in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). The integration of physical and virtual realities in Mixed reality technologies (MRTs) could provide scalable and deployable options in developing prompting systems for PwD. However, these emerging technologies should be evaluated and investigated for feasibility with PwD. Survey instruments such as SUS, SUPR-Q and ethnographic methods that are used for usability evaluation of websites and apps are used to evaluate and study MRTs. However, PwD who cannot provide written and verbal feedback are unable to participate in these studies. MRTs also present challenges due to different ways in which physical and virtual realities could be coupled. Experiences with physical, virtual and the couplings between the two are to be considered in evaluating MRTs.