Affiliations: Department of Rehabilitation Science, School of Public
Health & Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA | Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering,
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY,
USA | Department of Design and Environmental Access, College
of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Jim Lenker, 515 Kimball Tower, 3435
Main Street, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA. Tel.: +1 716 829
6726; Fax: +1 716 829 3217; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Background: While there are many available tools and methods to
evaluate product usability, few have been tested on user groups with
disabilities and even fewer systematically consider universal design
principles. Objective: This paper describes the development and preliminary
psychometric testing of the Rapid Assessment of Product Usability &
Universal Design (RAPUUD), a 12-item user-report tool based on the seven
principles of universal design. Method: A preliminary set of items was created to elicit ratings of
diverse product characteristics (e.g., physical effort, cognitive effort,
assistance required, safety). Data were gathered from 61 participants who rated
the usability of products they use in their own environments. Results: Each item elicited a full range of responses, with no
apparent floor or ceiling effects. Collectively, the 12 items achieved a high
internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.80). The data indicate that the
tool was sensitive to differences in functional abilities, as well as
differences in product characteristics. The instrument was usable for a range
of consumer products, though not all items were appropriate for each and every
product. Conclusion: The results suggest that the instrument could become a
pragmatic tool for designers to identify usability problems experienced by a
diversity of user populations.
Keywords: Universal design, usability, consumer products, measurement, special populations, disability
