Presentation
The Overlooked Variable: Why Diverse Body Types Are Critical to Validating Imaging Wearables
SessionPoster Session 1
DescriptionTopic & Application: This study investigates the usability of a cardiac monitoring device with a focus on inclusive recruitment across diverse anatomical characteristics. Cardiac monitoring devices often rely on direct skin contact and signal acquisition methods that can be affected by chest size, BMI, and other body composition factors.
The application of this research is to ensure that cardiac monitoring technologies are validated across a spectrum of body types to ensure accurate monitoring, better patient outcomes, and broader adoption. By intentionally recruiting participants of varying chest sizes, genders, ages, and anatomical feature, this study aims to inform more inclusive design practices to improve the reliability of cardiac monitoring devices.
Background: Anatomical variation has historically been underrepresented usability testing for cardiac monitoring. Overlooking the impact on anatomical variation on device performance may lead to inconsistent signal quality and reduced user trust.
There is a growing need to ensure that these devices are designed for real-world diversity. This study addresses that gap by recruiting participants with a wide range of body types and evaluating how those differences may affect usability.
Presentation Overview: The presentation will outline the study’s methodology, including recruitment strategies designed to capture a range of chest sizes and body types. It will highlight usability metrics and illustrate how anatomical differences influence device performance. The session will conclude with actionable recommendations for product teams working on devices that interact with the body.
Importance & Takeaway: The central message is that inclusive usability testing is not just a regulatory checkbox—it’s a design imperative. Devices that are not tested across diverse body types risk excluding large segments of the population and compromising clinical accuracy.
The key takeaway is this: if we want to build cardiac monitoring devices that work for everyone, we need to test them with everyone. This study advocates for a shift in usability practices that prioritize anatomical inclusivity, ultimately leading to more equitable, effective, and human-centered health technologies.
The application of this research is to ensure that cardiac monitoring technologies are validated across a spectrum of body types to ensure accurate monitoring, better patient outcomes, and broader adoption. By intentionally recruiting participants of varying chest sizes, genders, ages, and anatomical feature, this study aims to inform more inclusive design practices to improve the reliability of cardiac monitoring devices.
Background: Anatomical variation has historically been underrepresented usability testing for cardiac monitoring. Overlooking the impact on anatomical variation on device performance may lead to inconsistent signal quality and reduced user trust.
There is a growing need to ensure that these devices are designed for real-world diversity. This study addresses that gap by recruiting participants with a wide range of body types and evaluating how those differences may affect usability.
Presentation Overview: The presentation will outline the study’s methodology, including recruitment strategies designed to capture a range of chest sizes and body types. It will highlight usability metrics and illustrate how anatomical differences influence device performance. The session will conclude with actionable recommendations for product teams working on devices that interact with the body.
Importance & Takeaway: The central message is that inclusive usability testing is not just a regulatory checkbox—it’s a design imperative. Devices that are not tested across diverse body types risk excluding large segments of the population and compromising clinical accuracy.
The key takeaway is this: if we want to build cardiac monitoring devices that work for everyone, we need to test them with everyone. This study advocates for a shift in usability practices that prioritize anatomical inclusivity, ultimately leading to more equitable, effective, and human-centered health technologies.
Event Type
Poster Presentation
TimeMonday, March 234:45pm - 6:15pm EDT
LocationRhinelander Gallery
Patient Safety Research and Initiatives