Question 1

a. What are the physical limitations of the user?

Accepted Answer

Amount of physical control:  How is your level and range of head control?  Mouth?  Facial expressions, and which ones?  Vision issues?  How many hours a day would you be using the system?  In what orientations – sitting upright, or laying bed?  In a wheelchair?
 	Verbal ability: Do you have any ability to speak?  If yes, are you at least partially able to issue vocal commands to the computer?
 	Are the limitations temporary (such as due to a recent injury) versus expected to last for a longer term?
 	Would the user be comfortable continuously using the system for the number of hours they need to use it every day to achieve their goal? (See next factor below)  This is especially important for wearable gadgets such as eyewear and headbands that some users may find uncomfortable to use for more than 30 minutes at a time.

Question 2

b. What are the goals the user is trying to achieve via hands-free computer control?

Accepted Answer

For Communication / Speech generation only
 	Basic computer work – social media, internet surfing, email, environmental control, voice calls?
 	For school or college work?  For office work to compete in a demanding professional environment?

Question 3

c. Features and benefits necessary to achieve the user’s goals

Accepted Answer

Completeness of features:

 	Make sure the entire range of mouse functions are covered – moving pointer, clicking, dragging and scrolling.
 	Do you already use certain solutions but looking to complement them with a hands-free mouse?  E.g.  you are able to move the mouse reasonably, but now looking for a clicking, dragging, scrolling solution because you cannot use the buttons on the mouse? Or vice versa?


 	Ease of acquiring and trying the solution

 	How quickly can you acquire the solution?
 	Is it free to try?  How long is the trial?


 	Convenience of installation and setup

 	Do you need any hardware widgets to be mounted / installed near the computer or on your wheelchair?
 	Do you need any gear to be worn on your body?  If so, would you need a caregiver to help you wear it? What type of adjustments are needed to make sure it fits you well?
 	What settings need to be adjusted on the gear itself that will need help from a caregiver?


 	Ease of Use during operation:

 	Is the system easy to learn?
 	Is it reactive to your needs?  E.g. Does the mouse pointer move easily, predictably and precisely based on your body motions?  Does it click when you want it to?  Are the functions achievable in a minimum number of actions, or does the system introduce additional steps to achieving compared to a standard mouse?
 	Does the system lead to unintentional results (such as unintentional clicks with dwell clicking), which you have to correct by doing additional work?
 	Are you able to completely operate the system independently, including various settings adjustments, without needing help from someone else?
 	If the system involves wearables, how many minutes or hours at a stretch can you comfortably wear it or use it?


 	Flexibility

 	Does the system play well with other tools which you may already have?  E.g., you may already have some switches for mouse clicks, but now are looking for a mouse pointing solution?  Or, you may already have voice control working well for typing and clicking but need a mouse pointing solution?  How quickly can you switch between the two?

Question 4

d. Affordability & Financial Flexibility

Accepted Answer

Total cost of ownership

 	What is the initial cost?  If a hardware device is involved, what is the warranty cost?  If something breaks in the hardware, what would be the cost to fix or replace?
 	What additional accessories are to be purchased?  E.g. batteries, mounting gear, wires, USB hubs, etc.
 	Do you need to buy additional material in the future? E.g. reflective dots, bite switch covering, sip-and-puff mouthpieces, etc.


 	Financial flexibility

 	Does the product vendor provide flexibility in purchase?  E.g. are monthly or yearly subscriptions available?


 	Health insurance coverage

 	Does health insurance cover any of the costs of the solution?

Question 5

e. Product Support (Before and After purchase)

Accepted Answer

Does the solution provider company also provide product support?  How is it provided? E.g. by email, phone or video conference?
 	Do they publish their contact information, including phone number?
 	Where is the company located?  Are they available to speak in your time zone?

Category Archives: Blog

What is a Hands-Free Mouse and How to Choose One

Harmanpreet Singh | April 22, 2025

Hands-Free Mouse Technology: Enabling Digital Access Without The Use of Hands

Harmanpreet Singh | March 17, 2025

Discover the Ultimate Carpal Tunnel Mouse Solution: No Hands, No Hardware, No Hassle

Uday Parshionikar | October 31, 2023

WCPO TV covers Smyle Mouse — Using smile power to give people with disabilities more independence

Uday Parshionikar | October 22, 2019

Smyle Mouse v1.9.8.8 released

Uday Parshionikar | October 22, 2019

Perceptive Devices’ Smyle Mouse Head Mouse wins People’s Choice Award at RESNA 2017!

Uday Parshionikar | September 26, 2017

Smyle Mouse, the Next Gen Face and Head Mouse, improved based on user feedback

Uday Parshionikar | December 20, 2016

Smyle Mouse head controlled mouse demoed at TEDx Cincinnati

Uday Parshionikar | December 20, 2016

Smyle Mouse Head Mouse: One of the Favorite Assistive Tech at ATIA 2016

Uday Parshionikar | December 20, 2016