A Client-Focused Methodology for Gaze Control Assessment, Implementation and Evaluation

The Kee Methodology

The ‘KEE’ approach incorporates a combination of methods:

• Case Study: In case studies, the emphasis is placed on exploration and description. Our own approach has been to examine the interplay of as many variables as possible, in order to build up as complete an understanding of the individual's needs, and the means to meet these needs. A process by Geertz (1973), known as 'thick description', is one in which the researcher not only aims to explain the entity under investigation, but its context as well, such as: the specific circumstances; the specific characteristics; and the nature of the community in which the research is based. During a gaze control assessment, factors identified include the purpose of using the gaze control system i.e., for social communication and environmental control, etc; and the wider social and physical context of the user.

For our own investigations, there were several advantages in selecting a case-study-based approach, over other methods. Through adopting a case-study-based approach, researchers are able to “generate their own analysis of the problems under consideration, develop their own solutions and practically apply their own theoretical knowledge to these problems” (Boyce, 1993).

Often, for those people who have physical disabilities, using a gaze control system is a simple speedy and straightforward process. For example, for the well-motivated and literate person, who has good head control and visual acuity, they are generally able to 'eye type' on more or less any of the currently commercially available systems in a matter of minutes. However, for others, the process is not so straightforward. This is true for individuals who have profound and multiple learning difficulties; visual difficulties; and/or severe involuntary movement. This is why a flexible case-study-based approach was adopted. With this approach, researchers have...”the power to analyse and to master a tangled circumstance by identifying and delineating important factors; the ability to utilise ideas, to test them against facts and to throw them into fresh combinations...” (Merseth, 1991)

• Grounded Theory: Primarily qualitative research methods were applied. These methods owe a great deal to ‘Participatory Design’; the ‘Grounded Theory’ approach of Glaser and Strauss (1967); and ‘Comparative Analysis’.

Over time, by comparing the results of several individual case studies we found that, themes emerged which, if applied, could enhance the chances of success for both the initial assessment and subsequent implementation.