Design of Smart Head–Mounted Display Technology: A Convergent Mixed-Methods Study

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to characterize functional impairments and human factor considerations that affect perceptions preferences for head-mounted display (HMD) technology adults with low vision chronic eye disease. Methods: Through a convergent mixed-methods design, participants visual (age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, or retinitis pigmentosa) were recruited. Participants completed the Impact Vision Impairment (IVI) questionnaire, used commercially available HMDs (eSight, NuEyes, Epson Moverio), interviewed. IVI identify groups low, moderate, high vision–related quality life (VRQOL). Transcribed interviews analyzed using thematic approach. survey qualitative findings integrated joint analysis. Results: Twenty-one enrolled (mean age 58.2 years, 57% male, median Snellen acuity 20/40 [range: 20/20–hand movement]). An equal number ( n = 9) expressed preference eSight while 3) preferred Moverio. emphasized ease use, including HMD controls screen, as common reasons preference. Those lower well-being scores due improvement. moderate NuEyes comfort size. cited usability most important feature. Discussion: User features associated VRQOL. A approach explained how varying degrees impairment qualitatively related at individual level. Implications Practitioners: To increase acceptance, new development should focus on performance, usability, factors engineering. Although can benefit individuals vision, device functions vary in meaningful ways based parameters. Practitioners be aware patient variations influence when they recommend wearable systems optimize training harness these systems.