Link to the University of Pittsburgh Homepage
Link to the University Library System Homepage Link to the Contact Us Form

Exploring Human Computer Interaction and its Implications on Modeling for Individuals with Disabilities

Smith, Jennifer Marie (2007) Exploring Human Computer Interaction and its Implications on Modeling for Individuals with Disabilities. Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

[img]
Preview
PDF
Primary Text

Download (4MB) | Preview

Abstract

Computers provide an interface to the world for many individuals with disabilities and without effective computer access, quality of life may be severely diminished. As a result of this dependence, optimal human computer interaction (HCI) between a user and their computer is of paramount importance. Optimal HCI for individuals with disabilities relies on both the existence of products which provide the desired functionality and the selection of appropriate products and training methods for a given individual. From a product availability standpoint, optimal HCI often depends on modeling techniques used during the development process to evaluate a design, assess usability and predict performance. Computer access evaluations are often too brief in duration and depend on the products present at the site of the evaluation. Models could assist clinicians in dealing with the problems of limited time with clients, limited products for the client to trial, and the seemingly unlimited system configurations available with many potential solutions. Current HCI modeling techniques have been developed and applied to the performance of able-bodied individuals. Research concerning modeling performance for individuals with disabilities has been limited. This study explores HCI as it applies to both able-bodied and individuals with disabilities. Eleven participants (5 able-bodied / 6 with disabilities) were recruited and asked to transcribe sentences presented by a text entry interface supporting word prediction with the use of an on-screen keyboard while time stamped keystroke and eye fixation data was collected. Data was examined to identify sequences of behavior, performance changes based on experience, and performance differences between able-bodied and participants with disabilities. The feasibility of creating models based on the collected data was explored. A modeling technique must support selection from multiple sequences of behavior to perform a particular type of action and variation in execution time for primitive operations in addition to handling errors. The primary contributions made by this study were knowledge gained relative to the design of the test bench and experimental protocol.


Share

Citation/Export:
Social Networking:
Share |

Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Smith, Jennifer Mariejms158@pitt.eduJMS158
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairSimpson, Richardris20@pitt.eduRIS20
Committee MemberLoPresti, Edmund
Committee MemberLittle, Roger
Date: 20 December 2007
Date Type: Completion
Defense Date: 20 November 2007
Approval Date: 20 December 2007
Submission Date: 28 November 2007
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences > Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Degree: MS - Master of Science
Thesis Type: Master's Thesis
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: disability; eye tracking; HCI; models; word prediction
Other ID: http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-11282007-193101/, etd-11282007-193101
Date Deposited: 10 Nov 2011 20:06
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2016 13:52
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9834

Metrics

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics


Actions (login required)

View Item View Item