Optimization application and user experience evaluation system of knee brace

Abstract: The term UX is usually applied in the software field, but it is also important for the hardware product at present. The construction of the UX evaluation system in the healthcare devices field is not perfect enough, and there is no exclusive, flexible, and universal evaluation system. To enhance and quantify the user experience of knee brace, a comprehensive evaluation system is developed. Specifically, key evaluation indicators for ergonomic performance during use are identified. Subsequently, an evaluation method integrating objective data with subjective feedback is proposed, grounded in human factors experiment, and reality test carried out using three types of knee braces, the results from four objective experiments and subjective evaluations-motion displacement, constraint stabilization force, joint support, and thermal comfort-are combined to assess their strengths and weaknesses and explore the relevance of design elements to user experience indices. Based on it, one knee brace is then selected for optimization application, an improvement scheme is proposed focusing on dynamic stability, patellar stability, joint support, and adjustability, followed by validation of the proposed improvements. Compared to the original design, the evaluation indicators of the improved knee brace show significant enhancement 0.2-0.6 score. The evaluation system effectively assesses and informs the user experience design of knee brace.

Keywords: Knee brace, User experience, Evaluation system, Human factors experiment, Optimization design

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006273

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