The usability of an exercise bike designed for elderly users at home

Usability assessment gives practical ideas for product development in companies struggling with their daily business interests. In designing usable products, the aim is towards products which are easy to use, safe and appropriate for the intended use. This is even more important when the product is aimed for elderly users, since the inabilities of older people are often difficult to comprehend for younger, physically and technically skilled, product developers. In this study, the usability of an exercise bike, designed to be used by elderly people at home was tested and evaluated. This paper introduces the methods used, the results obtained, and the means for developing the usability of the exercise bike. The study began with an usability evaluation of the prototype. The usability tests were performed at a rehabilitation centre. Eight persons, aged between 54 and 80 years of age, were involved in the testing. The tests focused on adjusting the bike for the user, biking with different additional activities like watching the television or reading a magazine, and moving the bike around. The usability tests were complemented with an expert evaluation. This included an analysis of the ergonomics and the safety of the exercise bike, and an evaluation of the user manual. The usability evaluation was continued on a "pilot production" bike. This included unpacking and assembling the exercise bike. The evaluation was performed by usability experts and a target group subject. The study showed that a systematic approach for assessing the usability of a product will give the product developers practical ideas for improving their products. Although the physical ergonomics of the bike was highly praised by the users, weaknesses were identified in the information ergonomics, for example, in the symbols on the user panel and in the user manual.