User Models and User Physical Capability

Current interface design practices are based on user models and descriptions derived almost exclusively from studies of able-bodied users (Keates et al., 1999). However, such users are only one point on a wide and varied scale of physical capabilities. Users with a number of different physical impairment conditions have the same desire to use computers as able-bodied people (Busby, 1997), but cannot cope with most current computer access systems (Edwards, 1995). It is important to identify the differences in interaction for users of differing physical capability, because the border between the labels `able-bodied' and `motion-impaired' users is becoming increasinglyblurred as the generation ofcomputer users inexorablybecomes older and physically less capable. If user models are to retain their relevance, then they have to be able to re

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2002
• Where: UMUAI
• Authors: Simeon Keates, Patrick Langdon, P. John Clarkson, Peter Robinson
• Keywords: Interaction Cycle, Physical Capabilities, UMUAI 2002, User Model