Showing papers in "Universal Access in The Information Society in 2004"
TL;DR: The UTOPIA project's experiences with eliciting information from groups of older people about technology is described, together with a report on seminars for Scottish industry designed to raise an awareness of these issues.
Abstract: The UTOPIA project (Usable Technology for Older People—Inclusive and Appropriate) is focused on developing effective methods for the early involvement of older people in the development of information technology-related products for people aged 60 and over, and on providing industry with tools to assist in the development of information technology products for such older people. An essential part of this methodology is building a diverse user base, forming a long-lasting partnership with older people, and developing approaches for effective interaction with this target user group. Our experiences with eliciting information from groups of older people about technology is described, together with a report on seminars for Scottish industry designed to raise an awareness of these issues.
263 citations
TL;DR: A tool, EvalIris, is developed to automatically check the accessibility of Websites using sets of guidelines that, by means of a well-defined XML structure, can be easily replaced or updated.
Abstract: Accessibility is one of the key challenges that the Internet must currently face to guarantee universal inclusion. Accessible Web design requires knowledge and experience from the designer, who can be assisted by the use of broadly accepted guidelines. Nevertheless, guideline application may not be obvious, and many designers may lack experience to use them. The difficulty increases because, as the research on accessibility is progressing, existing sets of guidelines are updated and new sets are proposed by diverse institutions. Therefore, the availability of tools to evaluate accessibility, and eventually repair the detected bugs, is crucial. This paper presents a tool, EvalIris, developed to automatically check the accessibility of Websites using sets of guidelines that, by means of a well-defined XML structure, can be easily replaced or updated.
122 citations
TL;DR: A comparison method for a pair of tools that takes into account correctness, completeness and specificity in supporting the task of assessing the conformance of a web site with respect to established guidelines is presented.
Abstract: This paper claims that effectiveness of automatic tools for evaluating web site accessibility has to be itself evaluated, given the increasingly important role that these tools play. The paper presents a comparison method for a pair of tools that takes into account correctness, completeness and specificity in supporting the task of assessing the conformance of a web site with respect to established guidelines. The paper presents data acquired during a case study based on comparing LIFT Machine with Bobby. The data acquired from the case study is used to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the comparison method. The conclusion is that even though there is room for improvement of the method, it is already capable of providing accurate and reliable conclusions.
106 citations
TL;DR: This work proposes a set of criteria targeted to improving the navigability for a specific group of disabled users, i.e., vision-impaired people, and proposes a classification of the criteria according to usability aspects.
Abstract: The application of appropriate Web site design and evaluation methods helps to ensure more usable and accessible Web sites. While in the literature guidelines and evaluation methods for accessibility and usability are given and discussed separately, we aim at identifying the relationships between these two concepts, in particular considering usability criteria for accessible Web sites. In this work, we propose a set of such criteria targeted to improving the navigability for a specific group of disabled users, i.e., vision-impaired people. The identification of the eighteen criteria suggested herein was performed through empirical feedback, by which potential issues were identified. Subsequently, a systematic method was developed on the basis of the analysis of potential solutions, resulting in a classification of the criteria according to usability aspects. Some example applications of the proposed criteria to three existing public administration Web sites are discussed.
83 citations
TL;DR: The results showed that the anxiety factor of computer attitudes declined significantly in the touchscreen condition and this resistance towards computer technology use by Japanese elderly was moderate.
Abstract: The standard qwerty keyboard is considered to be a major source of reluctance towards computer technology use by Japanese elderly, due to their limited experience with typewriters and the high cognitive demand involved in inputting Japanese characters. The touchscreen enables users to enter Japanese characters more directly and is expected to moderate this resistance. An e-mail terminal with a touchscreen was developed and compared with the same terminal using a standard keyboard and mouse. Computer attitudes and subjective evaluations of 32 older adults were measured. The results showed that the anxiety factor of computer attitudes declined significantly in the touchscreen condition.
56 citations
TL;DR: It is proposed that additional guidelines are required in order to facilitate access to Web pages for AAC users, and the appropriateness of guidelines from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) are discussed.
Abstract: This paper provides an overview of the work of the European Union (EU) World Wide Augmentative and Alternative Communication (WWAAC) project, which aims to make the electronic highway more accessible to people with cognitive and communication impairments, in particular those persons using symbols instead of text to communicate. Many of these users will also be users of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) devices. The appropriateness of guidelines from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) are discussed, with the finding that few specific guidelines are available to make Web sites truly accessible and usable for these user groups. We propose that additional guidelines are required in order to facilitate access to Web pages for AAC users. Requirements capture and preliminary evaluation activities within the project have led to the development of draft guidelines that will be refined and validated as the project reaches its final evaluation phase. These draft guidelines are discussed along with other developments needed in this area.
49 citations
TL;DR: The benefits of introducing speech and connected dialogue for iTV interaction are investigated, and a case study in which a prototype system was built allowing users to navigate the information space and control the operation of the TV by a speech-based natural language interface.
Abstract: Interaction techniques for interactive television (iTV) are currently complex and difficult to use for a wide-range of viewers. Few previous studies have dealt with the potential benefits of multimodal dialogue interaction in the context of iTV for the purpose of flexibility, usability, efficiency, and accessibility. This paper investigates the benefits of introducing speech and connected dialogue for iTV interaction, and presents a case study in which a prototype system was built allowing users to navigate the information space and control the operation of the TV by a speech-based natural language interface. The system was evaluated by analysing the user experience in five categories capturing essential aspects of iTV interaction: interaction style, information load, data access, effectiveness and initiative. Design considerations relevant for speech and dialogue information systems for TV interfaces also emerged from the analysis.
44 citations
TL;DR: The concept of unified user interfaces is introduced, which constitutes the theoretical platform for universally accessible interactions, characterized by the capability to self-adapt at run-time, according to the requirements of the individual user and the particular context of use.
Abstract: In the information society, the notion of “computing-platform” encompasses, apart from traditional desktop computers, a wide range of devices, such as public-use terminals, phones, TVs, car consoles, and a variety of home appliances. Today, such computing platforms are mainly delivered with embedded operating systems (such as Windows CE, Embedded/ Personal Java, and Psion Symbian), while their operational capabilities and supplied services are controlled through software. The broad use of such computing platforms in everyday life puts virtually anyone in the position of using interactive software applications in order to carry out a variety of tasks in a variety of contexts of use. Therefore, traditional development processes, targeted towards the elusive “average case”, become clearly inappropriate for the purposes of addressing the new demands for user- and usage-context diversity and for ensuring accessible and high-quality interactions. This paper will introduce the concept of unified user interfaces, which constitutes our theoretical platform for universally accessible interactions, characterized by the capability to self-adapt at run-time, according to the requirements of the individual user and the particular context of use. Then, the unified user interface development process for constructing unified user interfaces will be described, elaborating on the interactive-software engineering strategy to accomplish the run-time self-adaptation behaviour.
43 citations
TL;DR: Some difficulties encountered when using the focus group method with an ageing sample are identified, and the importance of careful preparatory work if this method is to be used successfully in such a context is highlighted.
Abstract: This paper documents how methodological challenges were addressed when identifying user requirements for an Interactive Domestic Alarm System (IDAS) designed to enable older adults to live independently in their own homes for longer. A novel approach to determine possible IDAS functionality is described, and the results of focus groups conducted with older adults and care workers are reported. The paper identifies some difficulties encountered when using the focus group method with an ageing sample, and highlights the importance of careful preparatory work if this method is to be used successfully in such a context.
39 citations
TL;DR: This paper will present the authors’ experiences in outlining and implementing user profiles, as well as possible integration paths with device characteristics.
Abstract: Users access information services with a variety of devices and with different interaction modes that depend on personal characteristics (including disabilities) and on the context of usage. With the appearance of mobile devices, the industry has focused its efforts on the standardization of device characteristics, thus giving to information providers some content adaptation facilities. However, little attention has been paid to the standardization of user profiles that will allow further customization and adaptation capabilities in mainstream services. This paper will present the authors’ experiences in outlining and implementing user profiles, as well as possible integration paths with device characteristics.
33 citations
TL;DR: The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) User Agent Guidelines are part of the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative and provide a comprehensive resource to Web browser and multimedia developers on the features needed to render Web content more accessibly to people with disabilities.
Abstract: Web browsers and multimedia players play a critical role in making Web content accessible to people with disabilities. Access to Web content requires that Web browsers provide users with final control over the styling of rendered content, the type of content rendered and the execution of automated behaviors. The features available in Web browsers determine the extent to which users can orient themselves and navigate the structure of Web resources. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) User Agent Guidelines are part of the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative, the guidelines provide a comprehensive resource to Web browser and multimedia developers on the features needed to render Web content more accessibly to people with disabilities. UAAG 1.0 was developed over a period of four years and included extensive reviews to demonstrate that the proposed requirements can be implemented.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the recently published Technical Specification ISO 16071 from the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), along with the process through which the document has been developed.
Abstract: This paper describes the recently published Technical Specification ISO 16071 from the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), along with the process through which the document has been developed. ISO TS 16071 contains guidelines on designing accessible software. This paper also relates the activities within ISO to other ongoing standardisation activities, within, for example, W3C and ETSI. Scope, contents, guidelines and the definition of accessibility in ISO 16071 are discussed in relation to other definitions. Finally, the process of turning the technical specification (TS) into an international standard (IS) is discussed.
TL;DR: This collection of papers illustrates how older adults form a significantly different user group when considering user interface design, and demonstrates that it cannot be assumed that standard user-centred design methods for system development will ensure the provision of usable products for older people.
Abstract: Older adults form a rapidly increasing proportion of the population, with those over 60 years predicted to form 30% of the UK population by 2013. This proportion of the population cannot be ignored and must be included in the growth of technology into many aspects of everyday life. For example, we can envisage a time when doctors’ appointments and other important arrangements are handled over the Web, and a range of vital products will be handled using computerised interfaces. Therefore, designers of interactive electronic products must take into account the special needs of such a significant population who often find current products difficult to use. Failure to do so will result in this large and growing group of citizens becoming marginalised through lack of access to information and services. An even more serious consequence may be that they also are excluded from the use of interactive electronic products such as stair lifts and alarm systems, which could enable them to remain living independently for longer. This collection of papers illustrates how older adults form a significantly different user group when considering user interface design, and demonstrate that it cannot be assumed that standard user-centred design methods for system development will ensure the provision of usable products for older people. This special issue brings together the work of groups at the forefront of research into the special design process requirements of older adults, emphasising the need for a more sensitive approach to requirements gathering and for a recognition that design for older adults requires seriously different methods.
TL;DR: This paper explores the conditions which best provide for the learning experience of older adults, and looks at special features which enable instructions and help for learning to be embedded within speech dialogue design.
Abstract: Interaction with electronic speech products is becoming a fact of life through telephone answering systems and speech-driven booking systems, and is set to increase in the future. Older adults will be obliged to use more of these electronic products, and because of their special interactional needs due to age-related impairments it is important that such interactions are designed to suit the needs of such users, and in particular, that appropriate mechanisms are put in place to support learning of older users about interaction. Drawing upon the expertise of tutors at Age Concern Oxfordshire, and the results of preliminary investigations with older adults using dialogues in a speech system, this paper explores the conditions which best provide for the learning experience of older adults, and looks at special features which enable instructions and help for learning to be embedded within speech dialogue design.
TL;DR: The purpose of this special issue is to establish what progress has been made in developing forms of support for accessibility, and to explore future opportunities to move forward.
Abstract: With the ever increasing use of computer and telecommunications technologies, there is a growing awareness of the need to ensure that they are accessible to as many people as possible. The uptake of computers in the work place focused attention on the fact that the benefits of the technology could not be realised unless technology was made more usable. In a similar way, we are now recognising that design has to address a great diversity of user needs represented within the whole population, including the increasing numbers of elderly people and people with disabilities. For many people, the use of the technology offers opportunities to engage in activities that would otherwise be impossible. However, this potential can only be realised if the technology is designed so that it can support people in achieving their goals. There are many factors that contribute to achieving designs for accessibility, but one important issue is the availability of knowledge about how to design solutions that will take into account users and their diverse characteristics. This knowledge can be made available in a variety of forms, including guidelines and standards. The purpose of this special issue is to establish what progress has been made in developing these forms of support, and to explore future opportunities to move forward. 2 The aim and scope of the special issue
TL;DR: It is concluded that outside the metropolitan areas, adapting existing infrastructures, instead of deploying new networks, is the actual base for expanding broadband accessibility, although it seems certain that the deployment is quite far from being universal, at least in the medium term.
Abstract: Realising the potential of the information society requires an adequate broadband infrastructure, a sine qua non condition for usage. The different deployment rhythms of broadband networks threaten to increase the distance separating developed and developing countries. However, inside developed countries, separating lines are also being traced on regional or local scales. The magnitude and characteristics of this second form of geographic digital divide are not thoroughly known. This article provides this analysis for a specific case, namely the Community of Madrid. We conclude that outside the metropolitan areas, adapting existing infrastructures, instead of deploying new networks, is the actual base for expanding broadband accessibility. However, it seems certain that the deployment is quite far from being universal, at least in the medium term. Population size seems to be the most relevant criterion for identifying "threatened" areas.
TL;DR: The findings point out that provision of a powerful search engine is essential for successful information retrieval and the customisation of information presentation plays an important role in ensuring accessibility and usability of Internet portals.
Abstract: Internet portals are becoming a very popular entry point to the Web. Users utilise them because of the large amount of information available. This paper aims to highlight the major hurdles disabled and/or older users encounter in Web portals, and to issue recommendations for portals’ layout and structure, based upon the results of a user requirements collection carried out by the authors. The findings point out that provision of a powerful search engine is essential for successful information retrieval. Moreover, due to the diverse and sometimes contradictory needs of the user groups under consideration, the customisation of information presentation plays an important role in ensuring accessibility and usability of Internet portals. The paper also includes a brief overview of the results in relation to the actual working draft of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0.
TL;DR: In this paper, the goal was to learn which circumstances cause users to believe that an error has occurred when browsing the Web. But the experiment was limited to 78 novice users and the subjects were asked to identify when they perceived an error had occurred and reported a total of 219 error situations.
Abstract: Novice users face many challenges when browsing the Web. The goal of this experiment was to learn about how users perceive error situations when using the World Wide Web. Specifically, the goal was to learn which circumstances cause users to believe that an error has occurred. An exploratory experiment took place with 78 subjects who were novice users. In the experiment the subjects were asked to identify when they perceived that an error had occurred. The subjects reported a total of 219 error situations. These error situations were then classified by the researchers into the following four categories: user error, system error, situational error, and poor Web design. Based on the collected data, suggestions are presented for improving the usability of Web browsers and Web sites.
TL;DR: It is concluded that the designers of domestic technologies for recreation need to focus on experience rather than tasks when formulating design requirements, and the uses and gratification model developed for describing mass media usage is suggested as one way of conceptualising these requirements.
Abstract: Findings are reported from a study of the befriending scheme for older people that includes a bi-weekly recreational telephone conference. Participants were visited in their homes soon after one of these “link-ups”. What emerges is a picture of the telephone as a mundane technology. The telephone receiver, the telephone conference, and even the content of the talk are not foregrounded in the accounts of the participants. Instead, they provided a rich account of their daily experiences that happen to include the technology. Amongst these experiences, the befriending scheme in general, and the feeling of contact provided by the link-ups in particular, are seen as the most important experiences. It is concluded that the designers of domestic technologies for recreation need to focus on experience rather than tasks when formulating design requirements. The uses and gratification model developed for describing mass media usage is suggested as one way of conceptualising these requirements. Finally, an experience-artefact cycle is outlined, that parallels Carroll’s task-artefact cycle, to describe the evolution of technology in this area.
TL;DR: This book is pedagogically well designed, is written for a wide audience from a broad range of backgrounds, and is intended to address challenges brought by the current and next generation of interactive technologies through an interactive design approach.
Abstract: Accomplished authors Jennifer Preece, Yvonne Rogers and Helen Sharp, after having cooperated in two previous books, bring together their diverse expertise in information systems, cognitive science, and software engineering respectively, in their third book, Interaction design: beyond human–computer interaction. The authors claim that this book covers a broader scope of issues, topics and paradigms than the traditional scope of human–computer interaction (HCI), and the claim is largely supported throughout the book. The authors discuss in-depth various aspects of interaction design (ID), defined as the design of interactive products to support people in their everyday and working lives, including psychological and social aspects of users, interaction styles, user requirements, up-to-date design approaches, usability and evaluation, traditional and future interface paradigms (including ubiquitous, pervasive and wearable computing) and the role of HCI theory in informing design. The topics covered are grounded in the design process and are supported by a presentation of relevant issues in an integrated and coherent fashion, rather than as a collection of separate discussions on individual HCI topics. This book can very well serve as a textbook for students from various backgrounds who are interested in ID and HCI, as well as a ‘guidebook’ for practitioners and researchers in these areas. The book has several strong points: the integrated approach to HCI and ID, the provision of design principles supported with state of the art examples, and, most interestingly, an accompanying web site (http://www.id-book.com/ ) with links to online resources, practical examples, step-by-step handson exercises and templates to conduct various usability evaluations. The website also provides a student’s corner where the audience can vote and send comments or exchange ideas on the topics presented in the book. The book consists of 15 chapters. Chapters 1–5 cover the basics of HCI and ID, starting with the introduction of the conceptual idea of ID, and continuing with user related issues. These chapters are more appropriate for students rather than for practitioners or researchers. Chapters 6–9 are mostly directed towards practitioners, focusing on the analysis, design and prototyping of interactive products. Chapters 10–14 discuss evaluation and Chapter 15 concludes the book with case studies. One unique feature that not many other books on HCI and ID have is the inclusion of interviews with leading figures in the HCI and ID areas, which allow readers to share the philosophies and ideas of these visionaries and practitioners. To summarise, this book is pedagogically well designed, is written for a wide audience from a broad range of backgrounds, and is intended to address challenges brought by the current and next generation of interactive technologies through an interactive design approach.
TL;DR: The results show that the users were able to provide information on their current aid, the use situation, and their preference regarding different solutions, but they had difficulties to provide the detailed answers on technical solutions required by the technical development team.
Abstract: This paper describes the development of a new navigational aid for the frail, elderly, and visually impaired person. The users were involved both in the user requirements study and in the evaluation of different prototypes. The results show that the users were able to provide information on their current aid, the use situation, and their preference regarding different solutions, but they had difficulties to provide the detailed answers on technical solutions required by the technical development team. Further, prototype evaluations with users enabled the technical team to understand the users and their use situation.
TL;DR: This paper introduces a tool, called “4DML,” which allows the programmer to create a “model” of the desired result, from which the transformation is derived, and reviews some programming tools that can be used to effect such transformations.
Abstract: Music, engineering, mathematics, and many other disciplines have established notations for writing their documents. Adjusting these notations can contribute to universal access by helping to address access difficulties, such as disabilities, cultural backgrounds, or restrictive hardware. Tools that support the programming of such transformations can also assist by allowing the creation of new notations on demand, which is an under-explored option in the relief of educational difficulties. This paper reviews some programming tools that can be used to effect such transformations. It also introduces a tool, called “4DML,” which allows the programmer to create a “model” of the desired result, from which the transformation is derived.
TL;DR: A universal access reference model is introduced that can be used to identify areas requiring further accessibility guidance and is demonstrated in identifying guidelines that should be considered for potential addition to ISO 16071, as it progresses from a technical specification to an international standard.
Abstract: ISO TS 16071 Guidance on accessibility for human computer interfaces was developed via the collection and evaluation of an extensive set of existing software accessibility research and guidance. While this approach has served well in creating this first major international software accessibility standard, it is limited in its ability to expand the range of its guidance to areas not covered by existing research. This paper introduces a universal access reference model that can be used to identify areas requiring further accessibility guidance. It also demonstrates the use of this reference model in identifying guidelines that should be considered for potential addition to ISO 16071, as it progresses from a technical specification to an international standard.
TL;DR: Two examples of kiosks designed to help principally older adults access online governmental information sources are presented and the design issues identified and the implications for future kiosk interface designs are discussed.
Abstract: Electronic information sources are becoming increasingly more prolific and offer a huge potential for those able to use them. However, for those unable to access those services, there is the risk of being further disadvantaged by continued exclusion from an increasing number of services. This paper presents two examples of kiosks designed to help principally older adults access online governmental information sources. The design issues identified and the implications for future kiosk interface designs, both for hardware and software, are also discussed.
TL;DR: An overview of the US Software Accessibility draft standard, including accessibility-focused design guidance for Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems, and expected developments in formal standards for software accessibility are discussed.
Abstract: This article reviews progress in the development of standards and guidelines for software accessibility, including those developed within international and US standards bodies. Key factors driving efforts to identify and define effective design guidelines for software accessibility include demographic trends and the “graying” population, new legislation and the increasing pervasiveness of information technology and devices. An overview of the US Software Accessibility draft standard, including accessibility-focused design guidance for Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems, is provided. A variety of resources providing design guidance for improved accessibility are identified, and expected developments in formal standards for software accessibility are discussed.
TL;DR: A large number of the subjects in this study were new to iTV and the use of these techniques was new to them, so the design and implementation of the techniques were very different.
Abstract: Interaction techniques for interactive television (iTV) are currently complex and difficult to use for a wide-range of viewers. Few previous studies have dealt with the potential benefits of multim...
TL;DR: The need for the inclusion of usability and accessibility requirements in public procurements of software to be included in public electronic services is discussed.
Abstract: This article discusses the need for the inclusion of usability and accessibility requirements in public procurements of software to be included in public electronic services. Legislation on public procurement in Europe requests clear, well-defined criteria for accessibility and usability. Accessibility criteria exists, but there is a lack of usability criteria. The use of supplier’s declarations is a possible approach.
TL;DR: The need of a method by which to estimate the return on accessibility investments in information technology (IT) systems is described and it is argued for replacing accessibility with reachability, which is a concept based on a measure used by media when estimating the reached percentage of a population or target group.
Abstract: The aim of this paper is to describe the need of a method by which we can estimate the return on accessibility investments in information technology (IT) systems. This paper reveals some of the reasons why accessibility still is a secondhand criterion when designing digital services. It also describes the authors’ experiences regarding the concept of accessibility and how it must develop in order to obtain the status of a basic business criterion for the benefit of disabled people who are currently excluded from public services and labour markets. The paper also questions the need of a separate accessibility standard. Additionally, we discuss some of the hindering in the market and limiting perspectives that are blocking further development. One of the problems in the market seems to be that accessibility as a concept has been more of an issue about creating equal opportunities and therefore probably does not have the quality of a business criterion. In order to bridge that gap, we argue for replacing accessibility with reachability, which is a concept based on a measure used by media when estimating the reached percentage of a population or target group.
TL;DR: This paper describes the development and evaluation of two novel interaction concepts that support sociability and mobility for people inhabiting the connected home.
Abstract: The rapid spread of broadband always-on Internet is expected to change the way people will communicate and share content and experiences in the near future. This broadband connection can enhance the communication among family members and friends. It can also make it easy to share content and activities such as watching a movie together or listening to the same music while having a videophone chat. While using all these functions people want to be able to move freely through their home. The advance of portable devices fulfils this need for mobility. These portable devices can be used either in isolation or in co-operation with the stationary devices in the house. This paper describes the development and evaluation of two novel interaction concepts that support sociability and mobility for people inhabiting the connected home.