Research Reports and Surveys
In addition to our own consumer reports, Ricability carries out commissioned research for other organisations that has benefit for disabled and older consumers. Some of this work is commerically confidential, but links to pdfs of public reports are given below.
Smart metering - usability of In-home displays
Ricability was commissioned by Consumer Focus to carry out research on the smart metering displays that are becoming available to help consumers monitor their energy usage.
Four reports have been published:
- Making energy use visible: Smart meter in-home display usability research with consumers (2012)
- Smart meter in-home display design: Usability good practice guidance (2012)
- Getting to grips with smart displays: An expert appraisal of the usability of in-home energy displays (2011)
- Getting to grips with smart displays: Research review (2011)
 |  |  |
Mobile phones - usability
Ricability research commissioned by the Communications Consumer Panel to identify features that increase the usability of mobile phones for all users - including older and disabled people.
Making phones easier to use: views from consumers (2010)
Fit to equip? Mystery shopping research (April 2012)
Fit to Equip? was a three year project carried out jointly by Ricability and Assist UK with funding from the Department of Health Third Sector Investment Programme.
The main aim of the project was to improve the standard of retail services for Assistive Technology (AT) equipment to ensure disabled people end up with the right equipment and at a reasonable cost. To do this the project was designed to provide information on the current standard of retail services, based on mystery shopping inspections by disabled people.
The Summary report is available here with the annexes.
Download the summary report here.
Annexes:
Annex A Consumer retail standards.
Annex B Development of standards.
Annex C Mystery shopping questionnaire.
Annex D Mystery shopping locations.
Annex E Retailer feedback sample letter.
Equipment supply
- The retail model of equipment supply - providing information for consumers: Guide for Local Authorities
- Getting the equipment you need if you are older or disabled: Consumer guide
- Getting equipment in Cheshire: Promotional leaflet
- The revolution in equipment supply and what this means for information: Research report
The above four reports were researched and published with Department of Health, third sector grant funding.
Disability Rights Commission Helpline Surveys
- Evaluation of Disability Rights Commision Helpline - retrospective report of six years' evaluation
- Depth interviews with DRC Helpline customers
Commisioned and published by the Disability Rights Commission, 2007
Inclusive Design
- Inclusive design: products for all consumers
Consumer Policy Review 193 Volume 14 Number 6 Nov/Dec 2004 - Inclusive design - products that are easy for everybody to use 2001
Commisioned and published by the Disability Rights Commission, 2001
Sharp selling Practices
- Sharp selling practices in the selling of assistive products to older people
Commissioned and published by Age Concern England, 2002