An analysis of usability evaluation practices and contexts of use in wearable robotics.
Jan Thomas Meyer, Roger Gassert, Olivier Lambercy
PMID 34886902WHAT IT FOUND
Wearable robot developers rarely involve patients early, focusing almost entirely on device function rather than user comfort or satisfaction.
Most rely on custom-made tests instead of standardized measures, making it hard to compare devices or prove they work in real-world settings.
Key findings
01Effectiveness was the dominant focus of usability evaluation across all development stages, while attention to user satisfaction and efficiency remained low.
0273% of developers used custom-made questionnaires rather than standardized tools, and few projects tested with actual target users during the prototype phase.
03Stroke survivors were the primary target group for medical wearable robots, addressed by 63.6% of applications, while spinal cord injury was the second largest group at 48.5%.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The survey relied on self-reported data from developers, which may be biased or inaccurate. The sample size (158) may not fully represent the diversity of the global wearable robotics field. There is a selection bias, as developers interested in usability may have been more likely to respond. The study did not measure actual patient outcomes or satisfaction directly, but rather how developers *think* they evaluate it.
Declared interests
The authors declare no competing interests. The study was supported by non-U.S. government funding.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that a wearable robot's high performance in a lab setting translates to good usability for patients. The study shows that developers often skip testing with actual patients until very late stages, so early prototypes may not account for real-world physical or cognitive limitations.