CS 3724Introduction to Human Computer Interaction
Universal Access
Universal Access
Problem SpaceUsers with disabilitiesComputers with disabilities
Solution SpaceReaching across technological dividesComplying with ADAAAssistive Technologies
Universal Access
Problem SpaceUsers with disabilities Computers with disabilities
Solution SpaceReaching across technological dividesComplying with ADAAssistive Technologies
A few human conditions that make using
computers a bit difficult or impossible
broken arm, visual impairment, birth defects, Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS), arthritis, carpal tunnel, cerebral palsy, cognitive / learning disabilities, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, hearing impairment, dyslexia, autism, color blindness, sprained wrist, lost glasses/contacts, attention-deficit disorder
CONDITION In US
ALS (Lou Gehrig’s) 30,000
Arthritis (severe) 2,100,000
Blind 10,000,000
Carpal tunnel 8,000,000
Color blind (severe) 2,800,000
Dyslexia 25,000,000
Multiple sclerosis 350,000
Spinal cord damage 250,000
Virginia total population
7,200,000
Universal Access
Problem SpaceUsers with disabilitiesComputers with disabilities
Solution SpaceReaching across technological dividesComplying with ADAAssistive Technologies
A few technology conditions that make using computers a bit difficult or impossible
mismatched OS, no internet connection, browser implements html in peculiar way, noisy phone line, limited colors, limited font set, lack of electricity, too complicated to learn
Universal Access
Problem SpaceComputers with disabilitiesUsers with disabilities
Solution SpaceReaching across technological dividesComplying with ADAAssistive Technologies
Reaching across technological divides
Problem: user began using Mac OS in 1985 and doesn’t want to change
A possible solution: customizable UI
Reaching across technological divides
Problem: website needs to serve users with old, poorly-supported computers
A possible solution: use “standard” design HTML-only 256 colors Font: arial or times Maybe text-only!
Reaching across technological divides
Problem: need to browse the internet but unreliable electricity, erratic and noisy phone lines, no internet
A possible solution: paper user interface FAX server sends web page Circle underlined item FAX back Receive linked page
Universal Access
Problem SpaceUsers with disabilities Computers with disabilities
Solution SpaceReaching across technological dividesComplying with ADAAssistive Technologies
Complying with ADA
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act?
Reasonable accommodation is any modification or adjustment to a job or the work environment that will enable a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodation also includes adjustments to assure that a qualified individual with a disability has rights and privileges in employment equal to those of employees without disabilities.
Universal Access
Problem SpaceComputers with disabilitiesUsers with disabilities
Solution SpaceReaching across technological dividesComplying with ADAAssistive Technologies
Assistive Technologies
Mac OS X and Win XP
Assistive Technologies
A sample list (from the Mishawaka, IN public library): ZoomText JAWS for Windows Kurzweil 1000 Kurzweil 3000 Hands Off Dragon Naturally Speaking
Assistive Technologies
Problem: dyslexiaA possible solution: RSVP
Rapid
Assistive Technologies
Problem: dyslexiaA possible solution: RSVP
Serial
Assistive Technologies
Problem: dyslexiaA possible solution: RSVP
Visual
Assistive Technologies
Problem: dyslexiaA possible solution: RSVP
Presentation
Assistive Technologies
Problem: learning disability
A possible solution: early childhood toys
Assistive Technologies
Problem: user can only manage special buttons
A possible solution: xkeys On/off to USB connector
Assistive Technologies
Problem: unable to use handsA possible solution: head mouse
Assistive Technologies
Problem: people with alzhiemers often forget routine tasks
A possible solution: a memory mirror “reflects” if person fed the cat and the goldfish Georgia Tech project RF tagged pet food Also set to alert family/friends
Assistive Technologies
Problem: deaf and blind studentA possible solution: C-Print/JAWS/BrailleNote
“Captionist” types a written transcript of what is said in class
Displayed in Braille on a Braille laptop called the BrailleNote.
When used with C-Print captioning, information is 'fed' into Jaws (a screen-reading software) and sent to the Braille Note, rather than being spoken.
User can fully participate in class: unfamiliar names or vocabulary are accessible; can follow a class or group discussion more easily since who is speaking and when is known.
Universal Access
Problem SpaceUsers with disabilitiesComputers with disabilities
Solution SpaceReaching across technological dividesComplying with ADAAAssistive Technologies
How much is enough?
How low should the lowest common denominator be?
How do you decide what is the right thing to do?
For next time…
Extra Credit Opportunity!Team Project, due next week: User
TestingNext lecture: scenario-based
design, review and reflections