title: Parametric Cognitive Modeling of Information and Computer Technology Usage by People with Aging- and Disability-Derived Functional Impairments.
abstract: Despite the speedy evolution of Information and Computer Technology (ICT), and the growing recognition of the importance of the concept of universal design in all domains of daily living, mainstream ICT-based product designers and developers still work without any truly structured tools, guidance or support to effectively adapt their products and services to users' real needs. This paper presents the approach used to define and evaluate parametric cognitive models that describe interaction and usage of ICT by people with aging- and disability-derived functional impairments. A multisensorial training platform was used to train, based on real user measurements in real conditions, the virtual parameterized user models that act as subjects of the test-bed during all stages of simulated disabilities-friendly ICT-based products design. An analytical study was carried out to identify the relevant cognitive functions involved, together with their corresponding parameters as related to aging- and disability-derived functional impairments. Evaluation of the final cognitive virtual user models in a real application has confirmed that the use of these models produce concrete valuable benefits to the design and testing process of accessible ICT-based applications and services. Parameterization of cognitive virtual user models allows incorporating cognitive and perceptual aspects during the design process.
authors.affiliation: Life Supporting Technologies (LifeSTech), Superior Technical School of Telecommunication Engineers, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Avenida Complutense n° 30, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid 28040, Spain. rgarcia@lst.tfo.upm.es.
authors.forename: Rebeca I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: García-Betances
authors.affiliation: Life Supporting Technologies (LifeSTech), Superior Technical School of Telecommunication Engineers, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Avenida Complutense n° 30, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid 28040, Spain. chiqui@lst.tfo.upm.es.
authors.forename: María Fernanda
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Cabrera-Umpiérrez
authors.affiliation: Life Supporting Technologies (LifeSTech), Superior Technical School of Telecommunication Engineers, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Avenida Complutense n° 30, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid 28040, Spain. mottaviano@lst.tfo.upm.es.
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ottaviano
authors.affiliation: Life Supporting Technologies (LifeSTech), Superior Technical School of Telecommunication Engineers, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Avenida Complutense n° 30, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid 28040, Spain. mpastorino@lst.tfo.upm.es.
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pastorino
authors.affiliation: Life Supporting Technologies (LifeSTech), Superior Technical School of Telecommunication Engineers, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Avenida Complutense n° 30, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid 28040, Spain. mta@lst.tfo.upm.es.
authors.forename: María T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Arredondo
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012984:Software
keywords: ICT health tools; accessibility; disabilities-friendly products design; multisensorial platform; parametric cognitive models; personalization; user needs; virtual user models