SoundBar: exploiting multiple views in multimodal graph browsing

In this paper we discuss why access to mathematical graphs is problematic for visually impaired people. By a review of graph understanding theory and interviews with visually impaired users, we explain why current non-visual representations are unlikely to provide effective access to graphs. We propose the use of multiple views of the graph, each providing quick access to specific information as a way to improve graph usability. We then introduce a specific multiple view system to improve access to bar graphs called SoundBar which provides an additional quick audio overview of the graph. An evaluation of SoundBar revealed that additional views significantly increased accuracy and reduced time taken in a question answering task. Author Keywords Haptics, Non-Speech Audio, Visualisation, Visual Impairment ACM Classification Keywords H.5.2. Haptic I/O, Auditory (non-speech) feedback.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2006
• Where: NORDICHI
• Authors: David K. McGookin, Stephen A. Brewster
• Keywords: Graph Understanding Theory, Human Computer Interaction, Multiple View, NORDICHI 2006, Visually Impaired