Have you ever heard of sign language gloves? According to the Cornell University Chronicle, the variety of assistive technology on the market is only as useful as its practicality. For example, these gloves are supposed to help the visually impaired finger spell that is not included in all of American Sign Language. The gloves do not match the facial recognition to the large or small hand gestures which makes it unreliable and "rejected" by the deaf community. Does the tech prototyping and trouble shooting stop here?
Overly positive feedback about new technology will not allow researchers to create products that practically and financially want to use. Not all designers of assistive tech understand the needs and concerns of the communities (groups of common impairments) they are trying to reach. In order to remove any roadblocks for all persons to participate fully and equally in all aspects of society, where their "different ability" does not limit opportunity, researchers must provide and be open to criticism to respond to the experience of those living with the impairments to have better interactions by using the tech. This collaborative approach is critical to getting accurate feedback from the participants of these marginalized groups, and others who did not get the chance to participate, to radiate back praise and feedback to those communities.
I believe that the tech should work for them, not them work for the tech. Statistically, the research process itself should be influenced and developed by looking at the negative comments first rather than assuming the praise is more important. This would happen only if there is a shift in the researchers practice and attitude. Accessible outlets to receive feedback, depending on the group the tech is being targeted to help, can include: courtesy phone call, digital or paper form, providing contact information etc.
Acknowledging that we could have done something different or better is a part of the learning process- having a can-do attitude is important to believe you have the power and tools to reflect, revise and re-do instead of giving up.
According to a Waterloo University article receiving and giving feedback effectively can be broken down into the following steps.
Receiving feedback effectively
1. Listen to the feedback given
2. Be aware of your responses
3. Understand the message
4. Reflect and decide what to do
5. Follow up
Giving effective feedback
1. Concentrate on the behaviour, not the person.
2. Balance the content
3. Be specific
4. Be realistic
5. Own the feedback
6. Be timely
7. Offer continuing support
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