Exploratory Study for Personalized Assistive Technology Development: An Open-Source Korean Sip-and-Puff Mouse for People with Quadriplegia

This study aimed to explore the key factors to consider when developing and sharing open-source assistive technology (AAT). To this end, the sip-and-puff mouse was selected from development requests submitted to the Korean Assistive Technology Open Platform. In this study, the sip-and-puff mouse was developed, applied, and shared as an open-source AAT for individuals with disabilities. The research was conducted based on usability feedback collected from five participants through three usability evaluations. During the usability evaluations, task performance scores and time taken were measured, and questionnaires were completed. Following the second usability evaluation, a diary study on long-term usage was conducted. Descriptive statistics, frequency analysis, and paired t-tests were performed using SPSS 22.0. Thematic analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti. Based on the integrated qualitative and quantitative findings, practical design directions for user-centered open-source assistive technology were identified, including user and environmental matching, customization, durability, supporting documentation, use-error management, and participatory development. The results of this study are expected to contribute to improving the usability of customized open-source assistive technology (AAT) through a participatory design approach. Highly usable open-source AATs will help to make AATs more widely utilized in the daily living activities of the elderly and people with disabilities.