Mobile phone usability study

The NovitaTech Research & Development department, with funding from the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA) is conducting a study into mobile phones.

This project aims to see if available mobile phone products adequately meet the needs or desires of people with physical impairments due to disability or ageing.

It also wants to identify and specify the features that will meet the needs of this consumer group.

The research will conduct a survey and focus groups to gain user perspectives on the usability of mobile phones, checking the physical dimensions, look and feel and also required/preferred functionality of mobile phones.

The survey is seeking the views of 200 or more elderly or those with a physical disability. The survey is now available online and in PDF format (PDF-102Kb) which can be printed and returned by post.

The project is also inviting people to participate in three semi-structured focus groups each of approximately 10 people who are:

a. Allied health professionals working with the ageing and people with a disability.
b. Individuals with a physical disability or impairment.
c. The elderly.

The focus groups will explore similar issues to the survey, but provide a forum for more in-depth investigation of the current benefits and limitations of existing mobile phones and also evaluation of existing technology and potential future solutions.

Those who wish to participate in either the survey or focus groups (or for more information) should contact those conducting the survey by phoning 1300 85 55 85 (local call rate within Australia).