Visual profiles: a critical component of universal access

ABSTRACT

This research focuses on characterizing visually impaired computer users performance on graphical user interfaces by linking clinical assessments of low vision with visual icon identification. This was accomplished by evaluating user performance on basic identification and selection tasks within a graphical user interface, comparing partially sighted user performance with fully sighted user performance, and linking task performance to specific profiles of visual impairment. Results indicate that visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, visual field and color perception were significant predictors of task performance. In addition, icon size and background color significantly influenced performance. Suggestions for future research are provided. Keywords

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Graphical user interfaces (GUI)

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES

General Terms:
Documentation, Human Factors, Performance

Keywords:
disabilities, low vision, universal access, visual icons