Problem
The successful implementation of exoskeleton technology relies on its human-centered design and usability. While exoskeletons such as Laevo, Skelex, Chairless Chair, and Ironhand are designed to alleviate physical strain, their practical applications frequently fall short due to design constraints that ignore human experience. Adoption is limited by issues such as time-consuming assembling, difficult donning and doffing, and inefficient storage practices. If exoskeletons are not intuitive, adaptive, and ergonomic, their promised benefits—reducing strain, improving safety, and increasing efficiency—may be lost.
Our approach
This study examined every step of exoskeleton use, from assembly to disassembly and storage, to identify usability issues. Task-based usability assessments and retrospective brainstorming sessions helped participants share their experiences and identify difficulty areas in the process. The current phase of the research entails assessing these findings to identify common usability barriers and areas for improvement. By emphasizing areas where exoskeletons could be made more user-friendly, this study hopes to inspire future design upgrades and encourage their practical acceptance across many industries.