Designing e-textiles for fall and near-fall detection using a human centred design approach

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Rahemtulla, Z. ORCID: 0000-0002-4695-821X, 2023. Designing e-textiles for fall and near-fall detection using a human centred design approach. [Dataset]

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.17631/RD-2023-0015-DDAT

Abstract

This is a subset of data relating to the thesis, ‘Electronic Textile Garments for Fall and Near Fall Detection’. It is the supporting evidence for Chapter 4, ‘Designing E-Textiles for Fall and Near-Fall Detection Using a Human Centred Design Approach’.

The world population is ageing and one of the biggest detriments to the quality of life of older people is falls. Near-falls are a loss of balance that can be corrected. An increased number in near-falls is seen as a precursor for falls. If near-falls can be detected, hopefully this can lead to fall prevention.

The thesis focuses on using a human centred design approach for the creation of assistive electronic textiles (E-textiles) for older adults. Therefore, the aim of Chapter 4 was to investigate the wants and needs of older women for an E-textile garment aimed at monitoring for falls and near falls.

Twelve females aged 65 and over participated in interviews that took place on Microsoft Teams. Each interview lasted 30-45 minutes and were recorded and transcribed. Interviewees were asked 28 questions to explore four key topics: clothing preferences; current and future health needs; attitude towards technology including wearable, health and monitoring devices; and falls, fall prevention, and fall detection.

Three non-functioning prototypes were developed based on the interview data. These were then presented to five participants attending an in-person focus group. During the focus group each prototype was discussed individually, followed by a discussion around aesthetics to help participants envisage what styles the prototypes could have. The focus group was audio-recorded, and each of the three facilitators made notes during and directly after the session. The recording was transcribed, and thematic analysis was performed on the data.

To ensure all participants opinions were captured a questionnaire was given at the end asking the participants to numerically rate the three prototypes according to comfort, sustainability, practicality, ease of use, durability, appearance, materials, features, feel and overall design from 1 – 5, with 5 being the most positive. They were also given space to justify these choices. In addition, they were asked to rank the prototypes from 1-3, with 3 being the most favourite and 1 being the least.

The key result of the study was that careful consideration of design was important as the participants did not feel the need for this technology. When designing for older women, key factors include comfort, easy-care clothing while allowing flexibility in clothing choice and being invisible when worn.

The interview schedule, questionnaire and answers to the questionnaire are available to view on Figshare at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.22277233.v3. Anonymised interview and focus group transcripts, notes and analysis files are available to researchers to facilitate independent scrutiny of project findings and future research reuse.

Item Type:

Research datasets and databases

Description:

Data access statement:
To arrange access to a copy of the interview and focus group transcripts for research purposes, contact the Library Research Support team: LIBResearchTeam@ntu.ac.uk

Creators:

Rahemtulla, Z.

Publisher:

Nottingham Trent University

Place of Publication:

Nottingham

Date:

19 October 2023

Identifiers: