Customizable Interfaces For The Physically Challenged!

There can never be a ‘single size fits all’ solution as far as technology is concerned. The objective per se is to make one’s life simpler and hassle-free. And, this is one of the reasons why students at the University of Washington believe software development for computers shouldn’t be skewed towards the able-bodied. According to them, and justifiably so, people suffering from motor diseases like Cerebral Palsy or Muscular Dystrophy have equal say over the usability of an interface. With enough research and groundwork to substantiate the need for customizable interfaces, the students have proposed a simple user-defined software solution. The technology takes into account the speed of user response to interface applications as well as other performance factors. For example, a person with Cerebral Palsy is prone to spastic movements and hence, the interface needs larger buttons and smaller scroll bars. In doing so, the accuracy and speed of the disabled, elderly or the physically challenged is significantly enhanced.

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The paper on Supple Interfaces, presented in Chicago at a meeting of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, highlighted the primary and highly conspicuous limitations of regular interfaces. The proposal aimed at bridging the gap in performance between people with motor impairments and the able-bodied by nearly 62 percent. The system would be created by putting the users through a physical assessment of clicking, dragging and pointing skills. Subsequently, the interface is created to suit the unique needs of a physically challenged user. Purportedly, this system can be adapted to mobile phone applications as well. For once, we are happy that technology is not constrained by prejudices.

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Via:Uwnews