Introduction

This STS presents and discusses the creation and investigation of data-based eco-systems covering users, assistive technologies, environments and activity including transactions during the execution of activity. The focus is on creating and using data-based eco-systems to study and understanding the effects of using assistive technology to improve the ability to perform daily activities and the quality of life for users. Currently, detailed knowledge about the use of assistive technology investigated as a transaction to understand its effects on activity performance is limited, and gathering relevant data is usually cumbersome and costly.

In this STS we focus on approaches where automatic data collection from sensors integrated into assistive technology and the surrounding environment are key elements in supplementing user observation during activity and self-report. This includes looking at how interactive visualization tools may be used to investigate and understand large amounts of sensor generated data on user activity.

Supplementary perspectives include the addition of user generated data, e.g. from smart watches, as well as electronic care records and patient records both to supply and receive data.

Invitation for contributions

In the Special Thematic Session Data-based eco-systems we welcome presentations that demonstrate, exemplify and foster discussion about potentials of Data-based eco-systems to improve the provision of assistive technology for the benefit of the users and provision practice. Topics include, but are not limited to:

• Single-case experimental design methodology
• Effects of using specific assistive technologies measured on the quality of activity performance by means of observation and self-report
• Potentials of integrating sensor-technology into assistive technology and surrounding environments.
• User-generated data
• Interactive visualization tools
• Data-based eco-systems covering users, assistive technology, environment and activity including their transactions during the execution of activity
• Lessons learned across disciplines and actors involved in the provision of assistive technology

Chairs

Tina Helle, associate professor, VIA, Denmark, tihe@via.dk

Morten Kyng, professor, Aarhus University and Alexandra Institute, Denmark, mkyng@cs.au