An independent shopping experience for wheelchair users through augmented reality and RFID

• Published in: Assistive technology Vol. 31; no. 1; pp. 9 - 18
• Main Authors: Rashid, Zulqarnain, Pous, Rafael, Norrie, Christopher S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis 01.01.2019
• Subjects: accessibility; Activities of Daily Living; Adult; Aged; Augmented Reality; augmented reality (AR); Female; Health technology assessment; human-centered computing; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; radio frequency identification (RFID); Radio Frequency Identification Device; Self-Help Devices; wheelchair users; Wheelchairs; human-centered computing; accessibility; augmented reality (AR); radio frequency identification (RFID); wheelchair users
• ISSN: 1040-0435; 1949-3614
• DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2017.1329240

People with physical and mobility impairments continue to struggle to attain independence in the performance of routine activities and tasks. For example, browsing in a store and interacting with products located beyond an arm's length may be impossible without the enabling intervention of a human assistant. This research article describes a study undertaken to design, develop, and evaluate potential interaction methods for motor-impaired individuals, specifically those who use wheelchairs. Our study includes a user-centered approach, and a categorization of wheelchair users based upon the severity of their disability and their individual needs. We designed and developed access solutions that utilize radio frequency identification (RFID), augmented reality (AR), and touchscreen technologies in order to help people who use wheelchairs to carry out certain tasks autonomously. In this way, they have been empowered to go shopping independently, free from reliance upon the assistance of others. A total of 18 wheelchair users participated in the completed study.