PhD Study : Measuring the User Experience and Usability of Medical Devices

Summary

Given the impact optimal usability can have on medical devices, intragenic errors and patient safety, this research may increase uptake of Connected Health devices within Healthy Communities. It may influence health and innovation policy. It relates to Sustainability (Digital Futures) where technology has the potential to shape future standards.

Introduction:

The usability of a device is of vital importance. Usability is a significant predictor for determining the uptake or adoption of a device or software application amongst its target user population [2]. Sub optimal usability is the main reason why several technologies have not been widely adopted in the past. In medical settings, clinician-friendliness of devices are imperative given counter intuitive machine interfaces can have a fatal impact on patient lives and indeed healthcare staff. For this reason, the FDA, MHRA and other regulatory bodies have put in place statutory mechanisms that enforce medical device manufactures to validate the usability of their devices before they are introduced into routine healthcare. However, the current standard usability testing protocols, which are empirical, use self-rated Likert and semantic differential scales which are presented in the form of subjective qualitative surveys and given to a small sample of users.

Objectives:

To review state of the art usability testing protocols and current usability standards.

To compare subjective and objective metrics as well as quantitative and qualitative approaches to user research.

To propose a new methodology for capturing and quantifying the user experience.

To trial this new methodology to record data from a population of users.

Utilize the data collected to develop new statistical models of which the industry can adopt to objectively quantify the usability of devices in disciplines such as medical device manufacturing, aviation, web design, games design and mobile computing.

Description:

This PhD proposal will look to define metrics that best discriminate between good and bad user experiences. This may also involve an evaluation of including objective psyho-physiological measurements (biometrics) derived from wearable sensors and eye tracking metrics that perhaps can be used to capture a more complete picture of the user’s experience and satisfaction level when interacting with a device or software application. The PhD researcher can then use their proposed method to acquire data from a range of users to assess changes/improvements in individual performance, building statistical models and probability distributions. These new models informing international guidelines development for objective quantification of device usability. This may have a significant impact on international usability standards and policies.  Working partly in a Living-Lab setting which is a real test bed and an experimentation environment where users and producers can co-create innovations.  The living lab allows for different innovation methods, such as user evaluation, to be applied in collaboration with various stakeholders to find and evaluate new solutions.

The supervisors have significant experience in New Product Development (Magee), usability testing (Bond, Boyd, Magee), training on medical devices (Magee, Bond) and design thinking methodologies (Boyd, Magee).

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living