I create solutions that connect people and society, with expertise in user experience and interaction design. Passionate about driving sustainable change, I focus on innovative designs that enhance the environments people live in while reflecting social values.
Final Project
“Enhancing Quality of Life through Smart Home Technology for Individuals with Physical Discomfort:Insights from the UK and South Korea“
Despite technological advancements and the increasing availability of smart home devices, their adoption remains limited, particularly among individuals with physical discomfort or disabilities. In fact, statistics show that only 26.9% of UK households and 25.99% of South Korean households are using such technologies. Given that many previous studies have focused on physically able individuals, and there is a lack of research into the direct impact on user experience and daily life, this study explored the adoption and impact of smart home technology on individuals with physical discomfort in the UK and South Korea, aiming to improve their quality of life.
Data Collection
The recruitment of suitable participants was crucial for this study. Participants were adults over the age of 18 who experience physical disabilities or discomfort and were willing to voluntarily complete the survey. In South Korea, participants were recruited with the help of coaches, researchers, and professors from Korea National Sport University and the Korea Paralympic Committee. They were asked to complete an online questionnaire, resulting in 32 responses.
In the UK, participants were recruited through various methods. The prepared survey was shared on online platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, as well as through disability communities and group chats. Flyers with QR codes were also posted at Loughborough University, local gyms, and on the John Storer House noticeboard, leading to 52 responses. Additionally, a poster with QR code were taken to locations around Loughborough town, John Storer House, and Emmanuel Church to engage potential participants. Through these, 16 individuals were approached, bringing the total number of respondents to 100.
After analysing the online survey using SPSS, video and in-person interviews were conducted with four individuals who agreed to participate in follow-up interviews. The interviews consisted of five questions, which addressed new issues identified through the survey analysis and sought participants’ additional feedback. To assist participants’ understanding of the third question, visual aids were provided during the interviews. A cardboard model of a smart home setup was shown to explain how certain devices could be used in various situations to provide assistance. As a result, one participant responded as neutral, two agreed, and one strongly agreed, indicating an overall positive reaction.
Results
The online survey revealed several new findings. Firstly, a majority of participants, 72%, reported being aware of smart home technology, while 28% were unfamiliar with it. Despite this high awareness, fewer than half, 40%, were using smart home devices for convenience, with 60% not using any. Among those using smart home devices, 52.5% (21 respondents) reside in South Korea, and 47.5% (19 respondents) live in the UK. Notably, of the 32 individuals living in South Korea, 21 (52.5%) reported using or having used smart home devices, compared to only 19 out of 68 UK respondents.
There are various barriers to the adoption of smart home devices by individuals with physical impairments. Survey participants with prior experience of smart home technology highlighted key concerns, such as functional errors, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity issues, complexity of use and installation, and the cost of products and maintenance. Participants without prior experience cited the cost of products or installation, lack of information or uncertainty about the features and benefits, unfamiliarity with purchasing options, and concerns about data privacy as reasons for not using the technology. All participants agreed that better promotion is needed to improve accessibility by providing comprehensive information about smart home technology. They also noted the need for lower costs, more intuitive interfaces, and visual guides to enhance usability.
While there are still concerns and areas for improvement in the use of smart home technology, 36 respondents indicated they were very interested in using a new smart home product they had never tried before, and 52 said they were extremely interested. Additionally, while one respondent expressed a negative view on adopting smart home technology in their home, 70 were positive, and 29 were undecided. With improvements and proper information addressing the issues identified earlier, these smart devices could effectively enhance the quality of life for potential users.
Discussion
While smart home technologies have the potential to significantly benefit individuals with physical discomfort, there remain many barriers to adoption. Key issues include a lack of information, high costs, technical complexity, and security concerns. Despite these challenges, there is strong interest in adopting smart home technologies, particularly among those who have previously used such devices. Participants with prior experience were more likely to express positive attitudes towards future adoption, whereas those without experience tended to be more cautious.
Although smart home technology can enhance independence, convenience, and safety, current offerings often fail to meet the specific needs of users with disabilities. This study recommends focusing on cost reduction, creating more user-friendly interfaces, and enhancing security to encourage broader adoption. Moreover, offering hands-on trials and demonstrations can help potential users feel more confident in the technology. The success of smart home technology in genuinely enhancing the lives of all users will depend on our ability to listen to and fulfil the diverse needs of its users.
Other Work
Here is an introduction to the work I have personally produced during the MSc Ergonomics and Human Factors programme. Some of these were created for group projects and shared with my team members.
Interaction and User Experience Design
I conducted a 5W and 1H analysis and developed a storyboard to propose a solution to the issue of “Young people find their phones distracting when studying by constantly checking them.” I launched an app called Class-Mate, created a prototype, and tested it with potential users before developing a beta version of the app interface. It was a highly engaging experience to learn how to address the problem step-by-step, from storyboard creation to developing an interface based on feedback from user experience testing of the prototype.
Physical Ergonomics
To investigate the physical demands placed on library staff during book handling tasks, we conducted posture, anatomical, physiological, biomechanical, and anthropometric analyses on one participant performing three virtual tasks. It was beneficial to experience how the theories learned in lectures can be practically and multidimensionally applied.
Occupational Ergonomics / Transport Safety
I created a poster on health precautions against air pollution for construction workers. During the process of researching potential issues and symptoms caused by poor air quality, as well as international regulations and preventive measures, I gained valuable insights.
We visited several intersections on the Loughborough University campus where collisions are likely to occur and observed potential conflict situations firsthand. It was highly insightful to observe and analyse the behaviours of road users and drivers, as well as the condition of blackspots, signage, and road design at the intersections.
