Usability of a navigation application for travel in Quebec City with wheeled mobility device and, further validation of the Evaluation of satisfaction with geospatial assistive technology

Purpose Knowledge of route accessibility is indispensable for "wheeled mobility device" users to travel safely and efficiently; however, current navigation technologies hardly provide adapted information for this population. Aims of the study were to collect data on the usability of a navigation application and to propose a version 1.0 of the Evaluation of satisfaction with geospatial assistive technology (ESGAT), by addressing the criterion, construct and cross-cultural validities. Method A filmed field trial and a methodological study were conducted in parallel. Thirty wheeled mobility device users were filmed planning and making a 10-minute known journey using the HERE WeGo app. The ESGAT, eSTGA (French version) and the Computer System Usability Questionnaire were administered. A video observation grid addressed the effectiveness and efficiency during the journey. Descriptive, correlation and multiple match analyses were performed. Results Fourteen men and 16 women averaging 45.9 years old tried out HERE WeGo; 14 were powered wheelchair users. Usability of the app was moderate (good effectiveness, moderate efficiency and quite satisfied). The criterion validity of the eSTGA was good (r = 0.598; p < 0.001). The construct validity was average considering the results for factor 1 (alpha = 0.789, acceptable), factor 2 (alpha = 0,586, low) and factor 3 (alpha = 0.409, unacceptable). The cross-cultural validity (French vs English) was moderate (r = 0.861; p < 0.001). Conclusion ESGAT and eSTGA 1.0 questionnaires are now available in English and French with a total mean score (11 items), an informatics subscore (mean of 5 items) and a geomatic subscore (mean of 6 items). Their validation should be pursued with new navigation applications.