Issues and Frustrations Relating to Technology Usage
Participants discussed issues they experienced with
existing technologies at length. There were particular
problems with smartphones specifically related to PD.
Tremor and a loss of fine motor ability were identified as
symptoms causing great difficulty with using touchscreens
and a major source of frustration (PF6: “the movements
have to be quite precise with a touchscreen and if your
hand is rigid and not moving very well it’s no good
really”). This linked into discussion around needing to
place the phone on a stable surface in order to use it (PF5:
“I have to put the phone down to use the touchscreen and
it’s very, very tricky”). Participants therefore felt that
having a voice activation system would be a huge benefit
for them (PF5: “definitely some kind of hands free - it’s
definitely the only option for someone with PD”). Having
this on an easily accessible platform such as Glass was