| Productivity, satisfaction, and interaction strategies of individuals with spinal cord injuries and traditional users interacting with speech recognition software | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 4-15 | |
| Andrew Sears; Clare-Marie Karat; Kwesi Oseitutu; Azfar Karimullah; Jinjuan Feng | |||
| Speech recognition is an important technology that is becoming increasingly
effective for dictation-oriented activities. While recognition accuracy has
increased dramatically in recent years, recent studies confirm that traditional
computer users are still faster using a keyboard and mouse and spend more time
correcting errors than dictating. Further, as these users become more
experienced they frequently adopt multimodal strategies that require the
keyboard and mouse when correcting errors. While speech recognition can be a
convenient alternative for traditional computer users, it can be a powerful
tool for individuals with physical disabilities that limit their ability to use
a keyboard and mouse. However, research into the performance, satisfaction, and
usage patterns of individuals with physical disabilities has not been reported.
In this article, we report on a study that provides initial insights into the
efficacy of existing speech recognition systems with respect to individuals
with physical disabilities. Our results confirm that productivity does not
differ between traditional users and those with physical disabilities. In
contrast, numerous differences were observed when users rated their
satisfaction with the system and when usage patterns were analyzed. Keywords: Speech recognition - dictation - spinal cord injuries - usability evaluation
- universal access | |||
| User diversity and design representation: Towards increased effectiveness in Design for All | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 16-30 | |
| C. Stary | |||
| This paper addresses user modelling for "Design for All" in a model-based
approach to Human-Computer Interaction, paying particular attention to placing
user models within organisational role- and task-related contexts. After
reviewing a variety of user modelling approaches, and deriving requirements for
user modelling related to Design for All, the paper proposes a role-driven
individualised approach. Such an approach is based on a model-based
representation schema and a unifying notation that keeps the user's models and
the contextual information transparent and consistent. Individualisation is
achieved by coupling symbolic model specifications with neural networking on
synchronisation links between symbolic representation elements. As a result,
user modelling for Design for All is achieved not by stereotypical user
properties and functional roles, but by accommodating the actual users'
behaviour. Keywords: Design for All - User diversity - Individualisation - Symbolic/subsymbolic
(knowledge) representation - User modelling - Adaptation - Model-based design -
Modality switching - Context-driven development - Domain modelling - System
modelling | |||
| Management of access through biometric control: A case study based on automatic signature verification | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 31-39 | |
| M. C. Fairhust; S. Ng | |||
| The idea of the information society is pervasive and varied and, in this
context, universal access is itself a multi-faceted concept. However, the
notion of universality presupposes an analysis and understanding of what both
unifies and discriminates among different individual members of a community of
technology users. This paper addresses these ideas and, in particular, seeks to
illustrate some techniques which can support such an analysis in a variety of
task domains. Of special interest here is a specific case study which examines
the use of biometric processing as a means of managing access in the broadest
sense. It is argued that not only is the field of biometric measurement one
where understanding similarities and differences is the essence of what is
required, but also that this offers the opportunity to establish and explore a
variety of practical techniques of very wide significance in the context of
universal access. Keywords: Access management - Feature selection - Biometrics | |||
| Universal Access in the Information Society: Methods, Tools, and Interaction Technologies | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 40-55 | |
| Constantine Stephanidis; Anthony Savidis | |||
| Accessibility and high quality of interaction with products, applications,
and services by anyone, anywhere, and at any time are fundamental requirements
for universal access in the emerging Information Society. This paper discusses
these requirements, and their relation to the concept of automated adaptation
of user interfaces. An example application is presented, showing how adaptation
can be used to accommodate the requirements of different user categories and
contexts of use. This application is then used as a vehicle for discussing a
new engineering paradigm appropriate for the development of adaptation-based
user interfaces. Finally, the paper investigates issues concerning the
interaction technologies required for universal access. Keywords: Universal Access - Universal Design - User Interface for All - Unified User
Interfaces - Adaption - Adaptability - Adaptivity - Non-visual interaction -
Switch-based interaction | |||
| A review and reappraisal of information technologies within a conceptual framework for individuals with disabilities | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 56-76 | |
| Julie A. Jacko; Holly S. Vitense | |||
| With over thirty million individuals with disabilities being reported in the
United States, and with information systems permeating nearly every aspect of
society, there is a growing urgency to ensure that everyone has equal access to
technology. To render information technologies universally accessible,
researchers must have at their disposal an accurate and reliable user model.
Through the use of the conceptual framework presented here, accurate
assumptions can be generated from knowledge of an individual's impairments, and
functional abilities to influence the creation of a user profile. Ultimately,
user profiles serve as a vital attribute of user models applied to the design
of technology in an effort to achieve universal access. Keywords: Disabilities - Conceptual framework - User profile | |||
| Empowered participation of users with disabilities in universal design | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 85-90 | |
| Christian Buhler | |||
| This paper provides an introduction to empowered user participation and its
relevance for the universal design process. It highlights the benefits of user
participation and proposes a way to implement it in projects. The paper is
based on the experiences of the European project FORTUNE [3]. As an
introduction, some basic considerations of the concepts of design for all and
universal design are presented. The value of user participation in general and
of users with disabilities in particular is discussed. Experience with the
state of the art of user involvement in European Research and Development (R&D)
projects is reported. The FORTUNE concept of user participation in projects is
introduced as a reference model for participation of users with disabilities,
and a set of criteria for the assessment of user participation is provided as a
practical tool. A brief overview of methodologies for user participation and
potential organisational frameworks is also presented. Keywords: User participation - User involvement - Universal design - Design for all -
Projects - Assistive technology | |||
| Accessibility in the built and transport environment The wheelchair user perspective | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 91-98 | |
| S. Edwards; S. Walsh; P. Blythe; N. Hamilton; J. Soutter | |||
| 'Improving Accessibility for those with Impaired Mobility' (I-AIM) is
developing a telematic-based device to attach to wheelchairs to provide a
navigation aid in the built environment. A technical project such as this must
have end-user input from the beginning. In partial fulfilment of this, a user
requirements survey was carried out. The survey found that accessibility in the
built environment is generally possible for wheelchair users with assistance,
which does not fulfil objectives of independence. Accessibility to public
transport is regarded as poor. Information communication technologies can offer
greater independence and inclusion, but attention must be paid to ergonomics. Keywords: Accessibility - Wheelchairs - Built environment - Transport environment -
Information technology | |||
| Keyboards and keying An annotated bibliography of the literature from 1878 to 1999 | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 99-160 | |
| Karl H. E. Kroemer | |||
| This bibliography covers the period from 1878 through 1999. It contains, in
chronological order, a thorough sampling of the literature concerning the
design and use of keyboards. The sources are selected and annotated to reflect
the status of engineering and technology know-how, and knowledge about
ergonomic aspects of the use of the keyboards with, first, mechanical
typewriters, then electric typewriters and finally, from the 1960s on,
computers. The bibliography illustrates the origin of Sholes' 1878 QWERTY
keyboard and its continued use in spite of its many shortcomings, which may be
- at least partially - the reason for cumulative trauma disorders in
yesteryear's typists and today's keyboarders. Keywords: Keyboards - Keyboarding - Typing - Ergonomics - Cumulative trauma disorders | |||
| Design and evaluation of an adaptive virtual guide for Web applications | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 163-176 | |
| Luisa Marucci; Fabio Paterno | |||
| Most applications accessible through the Web suffer from a noticeable lack
of support for adapting to the different information needs that different users
may have regarding a certain topic. However, completely automatic adaptive
support can still be confusing for users who may not understand the reasons for
the dynamic change in the behaviour of an application. In this paper, we
present a possible solution to provide adaptive support that does not disorient
the user. The solution integrates a virtual January 18, assistant that is able
to provide adaptive support in an adaptable application. We discuss an example
of the application of this approach involving the support of Web visits to
virtual museums. We then present the results of an empirical usability test of
such an application. Keywords: Adaptive user interfaces - Virtual guides - Web interactive agents | |||
| Dialoguing with developers and suppliers of adaptive computer technologies: Data and recommendations | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 177-196 | |
| Jennison V. Asuncion; Catherine S. Fichten; Myrtis E. Fossey; Maria Barile | |||
| The authors report on findings on computer technology needs and concerns of
725 Canadian college and university students with a wide range of disabilities.
The vast majority of this sample population uses computers and almost half need
an adaptation to use computers effectively. The authors provide information
about computer technologies used by students with different disabilities,
describe adaptations/adaptive computer technologies that students find useful,
report issues faced by users and non-users of computers in postsecondary
education, and discuss reasons why students are not using needed
adaptations/adaptive technology. Based on these findings, the authors provide
recommendations for adaptive computer hardware and software developers and
vendors. Keywords: Postsecondary students with disabilities - Computers - Adaptive technologies
- College - University | |||
| Macular degeneration and visual icon use: deriving guidelines for improved access | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 197-206 | |
| Julie A. Jacko; Armando B. Barreto; Ingrid U. Scott; Josey Y. M. Chu; Holly S. Vitense; Frank T. Conway; W. Bradley Fain | |||
| The objective of this study was to derive empirical knowledge of the visual
search strategies of computer users who suffer from age-related macular
degeneration (AMD). This was accomplished by recording eye movement during the
use of feature-enhanced software. The results from this study show that there
are differences between users who have AMD and users who are fully sighted
(FS). Detailed analyses confirmed the hypotheses that there would be
performance differences between the AMD and FS participants, and that specific
features of the interface, namely icon size, background color, and the number
of icons on a display, would significantly affect the search strategies of
users. Keywords: Visual search - Universal access - Age-related macular degeneration - Eye
movement | |||
| The impact of Web self-efficacy, age, and Web experience on bookmark manipulation | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 207-216 | |
| S. H. Kurniawan; R. D. Ellis; J. C. Allaire | |||
| This paper presents a study that examines the impact of age, Web experience,
and Web self-efficacy across the adult life span on users' bookmark management
behaviors. It was hypothesized that Web self-efficacy would mediate the effect
of age and Web experience on bookmark manipulation. Six hundred users, sampled
from the Project 2000 and 7th WWW User survey data, were used to examine this
model. Using structural equation modeling techniques, it was found that the
effect of age on bookmark manipulation was fully mediated by Web self-efficacy.
However, the effect of Web experience was not fully mitigated by Web
self-efficacy. Keywords: Web self-efficacy - Aging - Web experience - Bookmark | |||
| When accessibility meets usability | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 217-222 | |
| James J. Powlik; Arthur I. Karshmer | |||
| Making a resource or facility "accessible" to persons with disabilities does
not necessarily make it "usable" to all such members of the population. The
authors present some valuable lessons learned by National Science Foundation
researchers and educators striving to make engaging activities and inviting
curricula inclusive of all students, regardless of ability. Keywords: Disability - Education - Methods - National Science Foundation | |||
| Towards a design code of practice for universal access in health telematics | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 223-226 | |
| Constantine Stephanidis; Demosthenes Akoumianakis | |||
| This paper presents a brief overview of the European Commission funded
Thematic Network (Working Group) "Information Society for All"-IS4ALL
(IST-1999-14101). IS4ALL aims to establish a wide, interdisciplinary and
closely collaborating network of experts to provide the European Health
Telematics industry with a comprehensive code of practice on how to appropriate
the benefits of universal design. This paper outlines the project's main
objectives and technical approach in the context of universal access. Keywords: Universal access - Accessibility - Usability - IS4ALL - Health telematics | |||
| Continuous interaction in future computing systems | | BIB | Full-Text | 235-236 | |
| Gavin Doherty; Giorgio Faconti; Mieke Massink; Michael Wilson | |||
| A reference framework for continuous interaction | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 237-251 | |
| M. Massink; G. Faconti | |||
| The latest developments in human computer interfaces aim at greater ease of
use, and the exploitation of human communication and interaction skills typical
of non-computerised environments. This kind of interaction is continuous rather
than purely discrete. Continuous interaction implies a tighter coupling between
system and user, and raises complicated synchronisation issues where real-time
requirements and intrinsic variation of human behaviour play an essential role.
In this paper, we propose a human centred layered reference model to reduce the
design complexity of systems exhibiting continuous interaction. In the context
of the layered model, we discuss the role that formal modelling can play in the
design of these systems. Keywords: Continuous interaction - Reference model - Formal modelling and verification | |||
| Continuity in cognition | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 252-262 | |
| J. May; M. J. Buehner; D. Duke | |||
| Designing for continuous interaction requires designers to consider the way
in which human users can perceive and evaluate an artefact's observable
behaviour, in order to make inferences about its state, and plan and execute
their own continuous behaviour. Understanding the human point of view in
continuous interaction requires an understanding of human causal reasoning, of
the way in which humans perceive and structure the world, and of human
cognition. We present a framework for representing human cognition, and show
briefly how it relates to the analysis of structure in continuous interaction,
and the ways in which it may be applied in design. Keywords: Cognition - Design - Models - Interaction - Structure | |||
| Assessing continuity and compatibility in augmented reality systems | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 263-273 | |
| E. Dubois; L. Nigay; J. Troccaz | |||
| Integrating computer-based information into the real world of the user is
becoming a crucial challenge for the designers of interactive systems. The
Augmented Reality (AR) paradigm illustrates this trend. Information is provided
by an AR system to facilitate or to enrich the natural way in which the user
interacts with the real environment. We focus on the output of such systems
and, in particular, on the smooth integration of additional information in the
real environment of the user. We characterize the integration of the
computer-provided entities with the real ones using two new properties:
compatibility and continuity. After defining the two properties, we provide
factors and an analytical method needed for assessing them. We also empirically
study the two properties to highlight their impact on interaction. The CASPER
system, developed in our teams, is used to illustrate the discussion. Keywords: Augmented reality - Ergonomic property - Continuity - Compatibility | |||
| Continuity of interaction in nomadic interfaces through migration and dynamic utilization of I/O resources | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 274-287 | |
| A. Savidis; N. Maou; I. Pachoulakis; C. Stephanidis | |||
| The concept of ubiquitous computing reflects an infrastructure in which
users are engaged in mobile interaction sessions within environments composed
of dynamically varying computational resources. In this paradigm, applications
are required to continuously follow end users and provide high-quality
interaction while migrating among different computing devices and dynamically
utilizing the available input/output (I/O) resources of each device. In the
context of such interaction scenarios, the principle of continuity, which
emphasizes the uninterrupted sequence of dialogue activities, is put forward as
a key design goal. This paper presents an application experiment demonstrating
interface migration, distributed I/O control, and dynamic I/O reconfiguration.
The adopted dialogue design approach is discussed, along with the identified
interaction design requirements, from the perspective of dialogue continuity.
Finally, the employed software engineering strategy is presented, elaborating
on the way dialogue mobility, distribution, and dynamic I/O control have been
accomplished. Keywords: Nomadic interfaces - Continuous interaction - Interface migration - I/O
reconfiguration - Dialogue design | |||
| Toward overcoming culture, skill and situation hurdles in Human-Computer Interaction | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 288-304 | |
| Paola Carrara; Daniela Fogli; Giuseppe Fresta; Piero Mussio | |||
| This paper proposes a new effective strategy for designing and implementing
interactive systems overcoming culture, skill and situation hurdles in
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). The strategy to identify and reduce these
hurdles is developed in the framework of a methodology based on a recently
introduced model of HCI, and exploits the technological innovations of XML
(Extensible Markup Language). HCI is modelled as a cyclic process in which the
user and the interactive system communicate by materializing and interpreting a
sequence of messages. The interaction process is formalized by specifying both
the physical message appearance and the computational aspect of the
interaction. This formalization allows the adoption of notation traditionally
adopted by users in their workplaces as the starting point of the interactive
system design. In this way, the human-system interaction language takes into
account the users' culture. Moreover, the methodology permits user
representatives to build a hierarchy of systems progressively adapted to users'
situations, skills and habits, according to the work organization in the domain
considered. The strategy is proved to be effective by describing how to
implement it using BANCO (Browsing Adaptive Network for Changing user
Operativity), a feasibility prototype based on XML, which allows the hierarchy
implementation and system adaptations. Several examples from an environmental
case under study are used throughout the paper to illustrate the methodology
and the effectiveness of the technology adopted. Keywords: End-user computing - User notation - Adaptation - Multimodal interaction -
XML | |||