Assistive technology manufacturers are being urged to adopt an ‘Apple approach’ if their products are to continue to enable end user independence.
Kate Sheehan, who works alongside Repose Furniture as the company’s resident occupational therapist, made the comment as specialist manufacturers continue to battle the stigma attached to assistive technologies.
In response, she is urging them to apply similar practices to product development as those used by Apple.
Apple continually focuses on creating products that are intuitive, but they also move beyond this, delivering products that are easy to use, and which customers genuinely want to use
She said that as technology continues to evolve, specialist manufacturers must focus on developing products that are intuitive to the needs of the user, while also delivering technologies that are easy to use - an ethos that has long been championed by technology giant, Apple.
On the topic of using Apple as a shining example of product development, she added: “In order to remove the stigma that is still attached to specialist equipment and assistive technology, manufacturers need to empower collaboration.
“Whether that be by engaging with other manufacturers, healthcare professionals or end users, focusing on research and development is key to successfully leveraging technology, ensuring that manufacturers continue to create products which are client friendly, and, most importantly, enable, rather than disable, users.
“Take a look at Apple. They continually focus on creating products that are intuitive, but they also move beyond this, delivering products that are easy to use, and which customers genuinely want to use.
“It is this ethos we now need to transcend across to specialist manufacturers.
“Over time customer’s needs change, and so it is important specialist devices remain responsive. Adopting an approach similar to Apple, and continually investing in research and development, is key to this.”
As an occupational therapist specialising in home adaptations, Sheehan is a firm advocate of the powerful role specialist equipment holds in enabling end users, a passion that has also proved instrumental in her role with Repose.
Over time customer’s needs change, and so it is important specialist devices remain responsive. Adopting an approach similar to Apple, and continually investing in research and development, is key to this
Working alongside her, Repose is already exploring the ways it can continue to develop seating solutions which deliver features and benefits to enable users. In addition, the company recently unveiled its own series of CPD events for suppliers and distributors, delivered by Sheehan, which will ensure that the company’s distributor network is well equipped to offer seating solutions thatbest meet the needs of the user.
Repose managing director, Lisa Wardley, said: “As user needs change, it is vital that specialist manufacturers respond to these changes; and while technology is at the heart of this, it doesn’t need to be huge changes.
“At Repose, we have taken this ethos and applied it across our entire healthcare range, providing seating solutions that not only ensures the user is supported correctly, but which also assists the user to stand.
“Taking this further, we are now also able to offer seating in a fabric which matches existing furniture. These are just some of the ways we are working with Kate to challenge the negative stigma attached to assistive technologies.”