Table 4 The focus group participants’ recommendations of the design of the SALIG device for persons with cognitive impairment presented according to the seven principles for universal design
The seven principles for universal design | The focus group participants recommendations of the design (n = 14) |
|---|---|
1. Equitable use | The design should not stigmatise |
The design should be attractive to the users | |
The design should be age-relevant | |
2. Flexibility in use | Flexible design |
Compatible with other types of technologies | |
3. Simple and intuitive use | Require minimal new learning |
Easy to use and understand | |
Self-instructive | |
Not require a chain of actions | |
Step-by-step instructions should be easy to understand | |
Give feedback on all actions | |
Consistent navigation and design | |
Do not use one button for two functions | |
Arrows and drop lists should not be used | |
Require minimal maintenance | |
4. Perceivable information | Display only necessary and relevant information |
Clear and simple text | |
Text message displayed in the middle of the screen | |
Colour alone should not carry information | |
Similar language and concepts | |
Large, easy to understand standardised graphical symbols | |
Blinking, animated icons or graphics should not be used | |
Headlines included in pictures | |
Upper and lowercase letters | |
Same font | |
Italic font should not be used | |
Possibility to choose large fonts | |
Clear letter spacing between each character | |
Shadow effect should not be used | |
Light background with black text | |
High level of contrast | |
Buttons should be clear and large | |
Colour shifting should not be used | |
Patterned background should not be used | |
Good sunlight readability | |
Different modes for reminders (alarm signal, text or voice message) | |
Different ways of being alerted (light, jingle | |
Good sound quality | |
Possibility to adjust volume | |
Clear indication for low battery level | |
5. Tolerance for error | Provide warnings of hazards and errors |
Give visual or/and verbal feedback for each step that is performed | |
Must be reliable and robust | |
Give guidance questions that could be answered by yes/no buttons or voice commands | |
Prevent mistakes | |
Correct errors | |
6. Low physical effort | Comfortable to use |
Possibility to adjust the pressure sensitivity of the touch-screen | |
Cause a minimum of fatigue and be easy to handle for people with decreased physical strength and inferior fine motor coordination | |
7. Size and space for approach and use | Have a cover that allows variations in hand and grip size |