This mixed-methods usability study evaluates the effectiveness of the Obi Gen 3 robotic feeding device in meeting user needs among providers, caregivers, and patients. Participants will complete a one-week trial using Obi in home, school, or community settings, followed by feedback surveys and optional interviews. The study seeks to validate that the device design meets usability requirements prior to broader deployment.

The study assesses the usability of Obi Gen 3 through quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews across three user groups: providers, caregivers, and patients. Measures include the System Usability Scale (SUS), questions based on the Matching Person & Technology (MPT) assessment and framework, and a custom Obi Medical Device Needs Assessment (MDNA). Data collection includes pre-trial in-office screening and post-trial surveys gathered remotely using Qualtrics. Optional follow-up interviews gather further feedback. The study aims to verify that the Obi Gen 3 meets its intended use and user needs in real-world environments.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Providers with relevant expertise to recommend and evaluate patients' ability to use Obi
• Caregivers directly assisting users with Obi
• Adults or children (≥5 years) needing assistive feeding technology to self-feed

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to provide informed consent/assent
• Cognitive impairments that may prevent the ability to understand or respond to the survey questions
• Non-English speakers (English-only materials)
• Residents of California who are new Obi users

The study will enroll three key stakeholder groups to evaluate the usability of the Obi Gen 3 device:

Pediatric and Adult Patients - Individuals aged 5 years and older with functional self-feeding impairments who are recommended for Obi use by a clinician. Patients must have sufficient cognitive and communication abilities to provide feedback directly or with assistance.

Caregivers - Family members or paid support personnel who assist the patient with meals or device operation. Caregivers will provide insight into the impact of the device on mealtime routines, supervision needs, and caregiving burden.

Clinicians/Providers - Healthcare professionals (e.g., occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, rehabilitation specialists) who assess, recommend, or train patients in Obi use. Providers will evaluate device usability, safety, and integration into clinical practice.

Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared due to the small sample size, the vulnerability of the pediatric population, and the inclusion of potentially identifiable health information. Data will be reported only in aggregate form to protect participant privacy and comply with applicable privacy regulations (e.g., HIPAA).