I have investigated how physical capabilities of users with a wide range of abilities are reflected in their interactions with digital devices. I have formulated a simulator that embodies both the internal state of a computer application and also the perceptual, cognitive and motor processes of its user. The simulator can predict the likely interaction patterns when undertaking a task using a variety of input devices, and estimate the time to complete the task in the presence of different disabilities and for different levels of skill. The simulator consists of a perception model, a cognitive model and a motor behaviour model. The preparation model simulates the phenomena of visual perception (like focussing and shifting attention) and can also simulate the effects of different visual impairments on interaction. It has predicted the visual search time and eye gaze pattern of able-bodied people and a few types of visually impaired users with statistically significant accuracy. The cognitive model simulates expert performance by using CPM-GOMS model. It can also simulate performance of novices by using a dual-space model. The motor-behaviour model is based on statistical analysis of cursor traces from motor-impaired users. As part of the model, I have also developed a new scale of characterizing the extent of disability of users by measuring their grip strength. I have evaluated the simulator through an icon searching task undertaken by visually and motor impaired people and also used the simulator to develop a new assistive interaction technique. My studies have already been used to design an accessible game and the University has been awarded EU funding for a project that will build on results from my PhD research.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:596672 |
| Date | January 2010 |
| Creators | Biswas, P. |
| Publisher | University of Cambridge |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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