Empathic
Modelling
Primary Reference Sources
D Poulson (Ed), (1996) USERfit. A practical handbook on user-centred
design for Assistive Technology. European Commission, DGXIII TIDE Project
1062.
Summary Description
This method has so far been mainly developed for use with disabled users.
With empathic modelling the designer/developer tries to put themselves
in the position of a disabled user. This is done by simulating the disability
by various techniques. Similar methods is widely used in many application
areas, but rarely referred to as empathic modelling.
Typical Application Areas
General method which could be applied to a broad range of applications.
Limitations
A disability that is "simulated" in this way will have a lot of differences
from a real disability. There is a big difference between the situation
an investigator puts himself in, and the situation of an actually disabled
person. To make the "simulation" real a lot of work need to be invested
in research on the characteristics of the user group.
Benefits
One of the advantages of the method is that those that need the information,
can get it directly without the mediation of a user. The method can provide
useful information when it is difficult to involve real users.
Costs of Use
The costs involved will vary considerably, it all depends on the ambition
of the project. Well designed, longitudinal studies, may demand a lot of
resources, while small, informal, "impressionistic" studies are practically
free.
Costs of Acquisition
Not yet known.
Suitability for requirements engineering in Telematics
The approach can be used in early problem definition stages of design to
increase the awareness of designers of the implication of design for specific
disabilities
How to get it
SINTEF Unimed Rehab, PO Box 124, Blindern,
N-0314 Oslo, Norway.
References
Pastalan, L.A. 1982, Environmental design and adaptation to the visual
environment of the elderly. LISS, A.R. Aging and visual functions. 1982,
pp323 - 333.