Evaluating non-visual interaction for content navigation and targeting tasks | |
| Author | Eakachai Charoenchaimonkon |
| Call Number | AIT Diss. no.IM-13-03 |
| Subject(s) | Use interfaces (Computer systems) Human-computer interaction |
| Note | A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Information Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Dissertation ; no. IM-13-03 |
| Abstract | Research on interaction techniques that entirely exclud e the role of visual perception is rare , but is a fundamental step for reducing access barriers to the GUI for visually impaired users . A limitation of current interaction techniques for the visually impaired, such as Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology and keyboard input devices, is that they only support indirect feedback and discrete control rather than the immediate feedback and continuous control o ffered by a visual cursor and pointing device such as a mouse . The goal of this thesis is to develop and characterize techniques that provide non - visual users‘ direct, continuous control in two basic tasks: content navigation and target acqui sition . Th e first set of experiments focus on auditory input and displays. The results indicate that n on - speech features in human voice , such as a continuous vowel sound, can enhance the operation of ASR technology , and provide users immediate feedback and continuous control. Participants were able to continuously navigate through linear and hierarchical structures using only speech and non - speech for input and feedback, but preferred linear structures and c onversational - based interaction to reduce the conflict between users' hearing and vocalizing capability. The second set of experiments focused on pen and mouse - based input and tactile feedback. The results indicate that Fitts' law is accurate in modeling non - visual ta rgeting task s when the target distance is low, but becomes less accurate as distance increases . Haptic feedback that provides a sharp contrast to indicate a target, such as continuous vibration on the target area or a bump on its borders , reduces the time to acquire the target and enables users to select targets even as small as 4 pixels wide . However, subtle changes, such as varying surface friction , are ineffective . Furthermore, h aptic reference point s significantly improve accuracy , but reduce overall task completion time. Based on t he results of these experiments and a thorough review of the literature, this thesis propose s a list of guidelines for the design of non - visual interface s using auditory display s and tactile feedback. These results and des ign guidelines provide an important contribution towards developing interfaces that provide visually impaired users more than just accessibility, but also a sense of immediate feedback and continuous control. |
| Year | 2013 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Dissertation ; no. IM-13-03 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology (SET) |
| Department | Department of Information and Communications Technologies (DICT) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Information Management (IM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Janecek, Paul |
| Examination Committee(s) | Dailey, Matthew N.;Atiwong Suchato |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Office of Civil Service Commission Thailand |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2013 |