2003
Other
Restricted
Criteria to improve web site usability and accessibility when interacting through screen readers: definition, application, and evaluation
Leporini B
This research is related to the usability and accessibility of Web sites. Guidelines for Web site usability already exist, but they only marginally consider the exigencies of "special users", such as blind people or subjects with high levels of vision deficit. This study specifically aimed at defining, in a more precise way, the usability of Web sites, in order to improve their accessibility for "special users", who are obliged to navigate on the internet through screen readers. First of all, 19 criteria (general principles) and 54 checkpoints defining each criterion (technical solutions) were proposed; then, possible ways of application of such criteria and checkpoints was specified. This represented the starting point to evaluate the usability of Web sites: in this work, the heuristic-based method was proposed and used in order to assign levels of usability to several Web sites of interest. A user testing was performed by 15 voluntary users, chosen among blind and low vision subjects. Two Web site prototypes were specifically designed for this purpose, only differing for the presence/absence of important usability criteria defined in this study. By comparing the time spent by users navigating and performing assigned tasks on the two Web site (with and without criteria), the impact of the application of the proposed criteria on the quality of the navigation was estimated. Finally, an automatic tool, whose implementation is in progress, is briefly presented at the end of this work. This tool is the first step toward a complete and definitive automatic procedure able to evaluate real Web site usability, especially considering blind and low vision people's constraints. Further studies are in progress to reach this final goal.
Leporini B
This research is related to the usability and accessibility of Web sites. Guidelines for Web site usability already exist, but they only marginally consider the exigencies of "special users", such as blind people or subjects with high levels of vision deficit. This study specifically aimed at defining, in a more precise way, the usability of Web sites, in order to improve their accessibility for "special users", who are obliged to navigate on the internet through screen readers. First of all, 19 criteria (general principles) and 54 checkpoints defining each criterion (technical solutions) were proposed; then, possible ways of application of such criteria and checkpoints was specified. This represented the starting point to evaluate the usability of Web sites: in this work, the heuristic-based method was proposed and used in order to assign levels of usability to several Web sites of interest. A user testing was performed by 15 voluntary users, chosen among blind and low vision subjects. Two Web site prototypes were specifically designed for this purpose, only differing for the presence/absence of important usability criteria defined in this study. By comparing the time spent by users navigating and performing assigned tasks on the two Web site (with and without criteria), the impact of the application of the proposed criteria on the quality of the navigation was estimated. Finally, an automatic tool, whose implementation is in progress, is briefly presented at the end of this work. This tool is the first step toward a complete and definitive automatic procedure able to evaluate real Web site usability, especially considering blind and low vision people's constraints. Further studies are in progress to reach this final goal.
2008
Contribution to book
Restricted
Making conference CDs accessible: a practical example
Hersh M, Leporini B
The PDF document format is increasingly being used, including for conference CDs. This paper discusses the process of producing an accessible CD based on PDF documents for a small assistive technology conference, CVHI 07. It also analyses the accessibility features of the resulting PDF documents and the results of a survey of the conference authors on their experiences of (trying to) produce accessible PDF documents. The paper is introduced by brief discussions of PDF accessibility and of the results of surveys of the experiences of blind and visually impaired people of using PDF documents and the accessibility of PDF documents produced by UK universities. It concludes with a number of recommendations for conference organisers producing accessible CDs, as well as suggestions for future work.
Hersh M, Leporini B
The PDF document format is increasingly being used, including for conference CDs. This paper discusses the process of producing an accessible CD based on PDF documents for a small assistive technology conference, CVHI 07. It also analyses the accessibility features of the resulting PDF documents and the results of a survey of the conference authors on their experiences of (trying to) produce accessible PDF documents. The paper is introduced by brief discussions of PDF accessibility and of the results of surveys of the experiences of blind and visually impaired people of using PDF documents and the accessibility of PDF documents produced by UK universities. It concludes with a number of recommendations for conference organisers producing accessible CDs, as well as suggestions for future work.
See at:
CNR IRIS 
| CNR IRIS | link.springer.com
2008
Contribution to journal
Restricted
Virtual visit of the Primate Gallery of the Museum of Natural History and Territory (University of Pisa): accessibility and usability for blind users
Leporini B, Palagi E, Norscia I
Usability guidelines are available to design web site visits accessible to the blind users. However, the actual usability of accessible web pages changes depending on the type of information the user is dealing with. Museum web sites including specimen/exhibition hall descriptions need specific requirements to allow vision-impaired users, who navigates using a screen-reader (a device that reads the text of the page), to access pieces of information based on a visual perception. Here we address the additional usability guidelines applied to the web pages describing the Primate Gallery of the Museum of Natural History and Territory (University of Pisa).Source: FOLIA PRIMATOLOGICA, vol. 79 (issue 3), p. 156
Leporini B, Palagi E, Norscia I
Usability guidelines are available to design web site visits accessible to the blind users. However, the actual usability of accessible web pages changes depending on the type of information the user is dealing with. Museum web sites including specimen/exhibition hall descriptions need specific requirements to allow vision-impaired users, who navigates using a screen-reader (a device that reads the text of the page), to access pieces of information based on a visual perception. Here we address the additional usability guidelines applied to the web pages describing the Primate Gallery of the Museum of Natural History and Territory (University of Pisa).Source: FOLIA PRIMATOLOGICA, vol. 79 (issue 3), p. 156
See at:
content.karger.com | CNR IRIS | CNR IRIS
2008
Journal article
Open Access
"Fine Tuning" image accessibility for museum Web sites
Leporini B, Norscia I
Accessibility and usability guidelines are available to design web sites accessible to blind users. However, the actual usability of accessible web pages varies depending on the type of information the user is dealing with. Museum web sites, including specimens and hall descriptions, need specific requirements to allow vision-impaired users, who navigate using a screen-reader, to access pieces of information that are mainly based on visual perception. Here we address a methodology to be applied for the proper creation and elaboration of alternative image descriptions in museum web pages. Such methodology has been applied to a gallery of the Museum of Natural History and Territory (University of Pisa). Such indications allow the user: (1) to address indexed contents and to link to information in more details, (2) to calibrate image descriptions (with a command providing alternative explanations for specimens), and (3) to access extra information for the blind (via hidden labels). A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to obtain effective and comprehensive descriptions. In this perspective, a cooperative environment is eventually proposed for team work facilitation.Source: JOURNAL OF UNIVERSAL COMPUTER SCIENCE (PRINT), vol. 14 (issue 19), pp. 3050-3264
Leporini B, Norscia I
Accessibility and usability guidelines are available to design web sites accessible to blind users. However, the actual usability of accessible web pages varies depending on the type of information the user is dealing with. Museum web sites, including specimens and hall descriptions, need specific requirements to allow vision-impaired users, who navigate using a screen-reader, to access pieces of information that are mainly based on visual perception. Here we address a methodology to be applied for the proper creation and elaboration of alternative image descriptions in museum web pages. Such methodology has been applied to a gallery of the Museum of Natural History and Territory (University of Pisa). Such indications allow the user: (1) to address indexed contents and to link to information in more details, (2) to calibrate image descriptions (with a command providing alternative explanations for specimens), and (3) to access extra information for the blind (via hidden labels). A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to obtain effective and comprehensive descriptions. In this perspective, a cooperative environment is eventually proposed for team work facilitation.Source: JOURNAL OF UNIVERSAL COMPUTER SCIENCE (PRINT), vol. 14 (issue 19), pp. 3050-3264
See at:
CNR IRIS 
| www.jucs.org | CNR IRIS
2006
Conference article
Restricted
A prototype of google interfaces modified for simplifying interaction for blind users
Andronico P Buzzi M Castillo C, Leporini B
In this study we present a SW prototype developed within the framework of a research project aiming at improving the usability of search engines for blind users who interact via screen reader and voice synthesizer. Following the eight specific guidelines we proposed for simplifying interaction with search engines using assistive technology, we redesigned Google user interfaces (i.e. simple search and result pages) by using XSL Transformations, Google APIs and PERL technologies. A remote test with 12 totally blind users was carried out in order to evaluate the proposed prototype. Collected results highlight ways in which Google interfaces could be modified in order to improve usability for the blind. In our demo we will show how interaction with the modified Google UIs is simplified and how the time for reaching the most important elements (i.e. first query result, next result page, etc.) is shortened in comparison to interaction with the original Google UIs. The demo uses the JAWS screen reader for announcing the UI contents.
Andronico P Buzzi M Castillo C, Leporini B
In this study we present a SW prototype developed within the framework of a research project aiming at improving the usability of search engines for blind users who interact via screen reader and voice synthesizer. Following the eight specific guidelines we proposed for simplifying interaction with search engines using assistive technology, we redesigned Google user interfaces (i.e. simple search and result pages) by using XSL Transformations, Google APIs and PERL technologies. A remote test with 12 totally blind users was carried out in order to evaluate the proposed prototype. Collected results highlight ways in which Google interfaces could be modified in order to improve usability for the blind. In our demo we will show how interaction with the modified Google UIs is simplified and how the time for reaching the most important elements (i.e. first query result, next result page, etc.) is shortened in comparison to interaction with the original Google UIs. The demo uses the JAWS screen reader for announcing the UI contents.
See at:
dl.acm.org | CNR IRIS | CNR IRIS
2004
Conference article
Restricted
Making an accessible forum more usable for vision impaired users: a case study
Leporini B
In this paper, we show in which way an accessible forum can be used as an educational tool and can be improved by making it more friendly to vision impaired users. For this purpose, we considered an online course for ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence), specifically addressed to blind and low vision people. First, we describe the use of an accessible forum during an online course for the ECDL and then we present a set of criteria created in order to improve Web site usability. Finally, we discuss in which way the application of our criteria can improve the navigation in the forum, once the forum has been accessed.
Leporini B
In this paper, we show in which way an accessible forum can be used as an educational tool and can be improved by making it more friendly to vision impaired users. For this purpose, we considered an online course for ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence), specifically addressed to blind and low vision people. First, we describe the use of an accessible forum during an online course for the ECDL and then we present a set of criteria created in order to improve Web site usability. Finally, we discuss in which way the application of our criteria can improve the navigation in the forum, once the forum has been accessed.
2006
Conference article
Restricted
Accessibility and usability in electronic texts: what does it mean?
Leporini B
Visually impaired people have always experienced difficulties in reading texts, documents and books. However, the ability to obtain information independently is of crucial importance for visually impaired people, since it would give them access to a world which was previously closed to them in terms of access to educational tools, employment resources and information about personal interests and the latest information on a wide range of subjects. Electronic texts (e-texts) are potentially a viable solution. In this work we introduce the subject and describe the aim of the project
Leporini B
Visually impaired people have always experienced difficulties in reading texts, documents and books. However, the ability to obtain information independently is of crucial importance for visually impaired people, since it would give them access to a world which was previously closed to them in terms of access to educational tools, employment resources and information about personal interests and the latest information on a wide range of subjects. Electronic texts (e-texts) are potentially a viable solution. In this work we introduce the subject and describe the aim of the project
2005
Contribution to conference
Restricted
Learning ecology and ethology in the Museum of Natural History and Territory of Calci (University of Pisa): a multisensorial and "egalitarian" approach for special users
Cordoni G, Leporini B, Norscia I, Palagi E
The educational opportunities offered by a Museum, which is a public wealth, should be accessible to all users, including those with special needs, such as disabled people, children, and elderly visitors. The Natural History Museum of the University of Pisa, together with the Italian Blind Union (Section of Pisa) and the CNR of Pisa (ISTI), is promoting a more egalitarian approach to environmental education, through the realization of project that aims at allowing all visitors, including vision impaired ones: - to plan the visit to the Museum and access its main contents by navigating an accessible and usable Web site (following the requirements specified by the Italian law "Stanca" n. 4/2004); - to explore a "tactile hall", hosting "touchable" specimens and scale models of animals and divided into three main environments: wood/meadow, sea, and swamp (with a spatial arrangement following the DPR 384/78 and the Italian legislation related to the accessibility of public buildings to handicapped people); - to perceive the ecological context, with the help of three-dimensional boards representing the different environments, "sound backgrounds" with vocalizations of several animals and "nature noises", and special boards with Braille text for blind people and magnified text/background colours for low vision users. - to further increase their knowledge of the ecology and ethology of the animals "met" during the visit to the Museum through an accessible and interactive cd - including three different levels of education - for schools and any possible category of final users. In concclusion, a multisensorial approach is necessary to make the Museum really "available" for special users, to favour a clear understanding of the contents also by children and elderly people and to enhance a pleasant learning process of environmental subjects that are too often confined to a flat visual dimension.
Cordoni G, Leporini B, Norscia I, Palagi E
The educational opportunities offered by a Museum, which is a public wealth, should be accessible to all users, including those with special needs, such as disabled people, children, and elderly visitors. The Natural History Museum of the University of Pisa, together with the Italian Blind Union (Section of Pisa) and the CNR of Pisa (ISTI), is promoting a more egalitarian approach to environmental education, through the realization of project that aims at allowing all visitors, including vision impaired ones: - to plan the visit to the Museum and access its main contents by navigating an accessible and usable Web site (following the requirements specified by the Italian law "Stanca" n. 4/2004); - to explore a "tactile hall", hosting "touchable" specimens and scale models of animals and divided into three main environments: wood/meadow, sea, and swamp (with a spatial arrangement following the DPR 384/78 and the Italian legislation related to the accessibility of public buildings to handicapped people); - to perceive the ecological context, with the help of three-dimensional boards representing the different environments, "sound backgrounds" with vocalizations of several animals and "nature noises", and special boards with Braille text for blind people and magnified text/background colours for low vision users. - to further increase their knowledge of the ecology and ethology of the animals "met" during the visit to the Museum through an accessible and interactive cd - including three different levels of education - for schools and any possible category of final users. In concclusion, a multisensorial approach is necessary to make the Museum really "available" for special users, to favour a clear understanding of the contents also by children and elderly people and to enhance a pleasant learning process of environmental subjects that are too often confined to a flat visual dimension.
2009
Contribution to book
Restricted
Translating museum visual contents into descriptions for blind User: a multidisciplinary approach
Leporini B, Norscia I
Accessibility and usability guidelines are available to design web sites accessible to blind users. However, the actual usability of accessible web pages varies depending on the type of information the user is dealing with. Museum web sites, including specimens and hall descriptions, need specific requirements to allow vision-impaired users, who navigate using a screen-reader, to access pieces of information that are mainly based on visual perception. Here we address a methodology to be applied for the proper creation and elaboration of alternative image descriptions in museum web pages. Such methodology has been applied to a gallery of the Museum of Natural History and Territory (University of Pisa). Such indications allow the user: (1) to address indexed contents and to link to information in more details, (2) to calibrate image descriptions (with a command providing alternative explanations for specimens), and (3) to access extra information for the blind (via hidden labels). A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to obtain effective and comprehensive descriptions. In this perspective, a cooperative environment is eventually proposed for team work facilitation.
Leporini B, Norscia I
Accessibility and usability guidelines are available to design web sites accessible to blind users. However, the actual usability of accessible web pages varies depending on the type of information the user is dealing with. Museum web sites, including specimens and hall descriptions, need specific requirements to allow vision-impaired users, who navigate using a screen-reader, to access pieces of information that are mainly based on visual perception. Here we address a methodology to be applied for the proper creation and elaboration of alternative image descriptions in museum web pages. Such methodology has been applied to a gallery of the Museum of Natural History and Territory (University of Pisa). Such indications allow the user: (1) to address indexed contents and to link to information in more details, (2) to calibrate image descriptions (with a command providing alternative explanations for specimens), and (3) to access extra information for the blind (via hidden labels). A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to obtain effective and comprehensive descriptions. In this perspective, a cooperative environment is eventually proposed for team work facilitation.
See at:
CNR IRIS | CNR IRIS | www.springer.com
2006
Software
Metadata Only Access
Sistema per la verifica di guidelines multiple di usabilità ed accessibilità in siti web
Leporini B, Paternò F, Scorcia A
No abstract avaible
Leporini B, Paternò F, Scorcia A
No abstract avaible
See at:
giove.isti.cnr.it | CNR IRIS
2009
Conference article
Restricted
Wikipedia, the open encyclopaedia: is it really open to blind users?
Leporini B
Nowadays Web 2.0 applications allow anyone to create, share and edit on-line content, but accessibility and usability issues still exist. In this direction, wikis are becoming increasingly widespread, and offer great benefits in a variety of collaborative environments. to be universally valuable, wiki systems should be easy to use for anyone, regardless of ability. This paper describes obstacles that a blind user may encounter when interacting via screen reader with Wikipedia. For instance, Wikipedia presents many difficulties for the blind, especially when they wish to edit articles. Based on these accessibility issues, our study is aimed at investigating on the W3C ARIA suite as possible solution to simplify the Wikipedia Editing Page when interacting via screen reader. At the end, a user testing conducted by involving a group of blind users is shortly described.
Leporini B
Nowadays Web 2.0 applications allow anyone to create, share and edit on-line content, but accessibility and usability issues still exist. In this direction, wikis are becoming increasingly widespread, and offer great benefits in a variety of collaborative environments. to be universally valuable, wiki systems should be easy to use for anyone, regardless of ability. This paper describes obstacles that a blind user may encounter when interacting via screen reader with Wikipedia. For instance, Wikipedia presents many difficulties for the blind, especially when they wish to edit articles. Based on these accessibility issues, our study is aimed at investigating on the W3C ARIA suite as possible solution to simplify the Wikipedia Editing Page when interacting via screen reader. At the end, a user testing conducted by involving a group of blind users is shortly described.
2003
Other
Open Access
Increasing usability when interacting through screen readers
Leporini B, Paternò F
The application of appropriate Web site design and evaluation methods helps to ensure more usable and accessible Web sites. While in the literature guidelines and evaluation methods for accessibility and usability are given and discussed separately, we aim at identifying the relationships between these two concepts, in particular considering usability criteria for accessible Web sites. In this work, we propose a set of such criteria targeted to improving the navigability for a specific group of disabled users, i.e. vision impaired people. The identification of the eighteen criteria suggested herein was performed through empirical feedback, by which potential issues were identified. Subsequently, a systematic method was developed on the basis of the analysis of potential solutions, resulting in a classification of the criteria according to usability aspects. Some example applications of the proposed criteria to three existing public administration Web sites are discussed.
Leporini B, Paternò F
The application of appropriate Web site design and evaluation methods helps to ensure more usable and accessible Web sites. While in the literature guidelines and evaluation methods for accessibility and usability are given and discussed separately, we aim at identifying the relationships between these two concepts, in particular considering usability criteria for accessible Web sites. In this work, we propose a set of such criteria targeted to improving the navigability for a specific group of disabled users, i.e. vision impaired people. The identification of the eighteen criteria suggested herein was performed through empirical feedback, by which potential issues were identified. Subsequently, a systematic method was developed on the basis of the analysis of potential solutions, resulting in a classification of the criteria according to usability aspects. Some example applications of the proposed criteria to three existing public administration Web sites are discussed.
See at:
ISTI Repository | CNR IRIS | CNR IRIS
2004
Other
Open Access
Inspection-based, Automatic Support for Obtaining Usable Web Sites for Vision Impaired Users
Correani F, Leporini B, Paternò F
The aim of this work is to provide designers and developers of Web applications with support to obtain systems that are usable for vision-impaired users. To this end, we have defined a number of design criteria to improve Web site navigation through screen readers or other similar devices. A navigation test by blind and vision-impaired subjects showed that our criteria improved Web site usability both qualitatively and quantitatively. An inspection-based tool has been developed to ease application of such criteria. Its main features are presented along with a discussion of some application results.Source: UNIVERSAL ACCESS IN THE INFORMATION SOCIETY (PRINT)
Correani F, Leporini B, Paternò F
The aim of this work is to provide designers and developers of Web applications with support to obtain systems that are usable for vision-impaired users. To this end, we have defined a number of design criteria to improve Web site navigation through screen readers or other similar devices. A navigation test by blind and vision-impaired subjects showed that our criteria improved Web site usability both qualitatively and quantitatively. An inspection-based tool has been developed to ease application of such criteria. Its main features are presented along with a discussion of some application results.Source: UNIVERSAL ACCESS IN THE INFORMATION SOCIETY (PRINT)
See at:
CNR IRIS | ISTI Repository | CNR IRIS
2004
Other
Open Access
Testing the effects of web usability criteria for vision impaired users
Leporini B, Paternò F
In this paper we show how it is possible to increase usability for vision-impaired users accessing Web applications. To this end, we have developed a number of criteria that allow designers to obtain usable Web sites for users who navigate through screen readers or other similar devices. We present the results of user testing performed to estimate the impact of our criteria on the Web interactions of vision-impaired users. The results indicate that their application can increase Web site usability for such subjects. Indeed, application of the presented criteria improved Web site usability both quantitatively and qualitatively, by reducing the navigation time and making the test Web site easier to use for blind/low vision users.Source: ACM TRANSACTIONS ON COMPUTER-HUMAN INTERACTION, pp. 1-27
Leporini B, Paternò F
In this paper we show how it is possible to increase usability for vision-impaired users accessing Web applications. To this end, we have developed a number of criteria that allow designers to obtain usable Web sites for users who navigate through screen readers or other similar devices. We present the results of user testing performed to estimate the impact of our criteria on the Web interactions of vision-impaired users. The results indicate that their application can increase Web site usability for such subjects. Indeed, application of the presented criteria improved Web site usability both quantitatively and qualitatively, by reducing the navigation time and making the test Web site easier to use for blind/low vision users.Source: ACM TRANSACTIONS ON COMPUTER-HUMAN INTERACTION, pp. 1-27
See at:
CNR IRIS | ISTI Repository | CNR IRIS
2011
Conference article
Restricted
Google News: how user-friendly is it for the blind?
Leporini B
Being able to read text, find out information and know about the latest news has always been a challenge for those who cannot access the printed version, such as the visually-impaired. The advent of the Web has been a big step in the right direction for blind people to obtain up-to-date information on the internet. Many portals and Web sites offer online services for up-to-date news. In this paper our aim is to evaluate how easy and rewarding it is for blind people to access this. For this purpose, we are focusing on the well-known online service provided by Google, i.e. Google News as a case study. In order to truly benefit from access to the information available on the Web, the page interface must be simple and easy to use by everyone, including people who have to use assistive technologies. In this work we analyze not only the accessibility of the service offered by Google for its News, but also in particular the usability when interacting via screen reader.
Leporini B
Being able to read text, find out information and know about the latest news has always been a challenge for those who cannot access the printed version, such as the visually-impaired. The advent of the Web has been a big step in the right direction for blind people to obtain up-to-date information on the internet. Many portals and Web sites offer online services for up-to-date news. In this paper our aim is to evaluate how easy and rewarding it is for blind people to access this. For this purpose, we are focusing on the well-known online service provided by Google, i.e. Google News as a case study. In order to truly benefit from access to the information available on the Web, the page interface must be simple and easy to use by everyone, including people who have to use assistive technologies. In this work we analyze not only the accessibility of the service offered by Google for its News, but also in particular the usability when interacting via screen reader.
2013
Other
Restricted
Investigating the use of vibro-tactile feedback for mobile interaction by blind users: the numeric keyPad case
Leporini B, Chiti S
For visually-impaired people interacting with touch-screens can be very complex because of the lack of hardware keys or tactile references. We investigate how a multimodal approach can overcome this issue. We propose a prototype which exploits haptic feedback as a support for detecting the numpad and special buttons.
Leporini B, Chiti S
For visually-impaired people interacting with touch-screens can be very complex because of the lack of hardware keys or tactile references. We investigate how a multimodal approach can overcome this issue. We propose a prototype which exploits haptic feedback as a support for detecting the numpad and special buttons.
See at:
CNR IRIS | CNR IRIS | mobile-accessibility.di.fc.ul.pt
2012
Conference article
Restricted
Accessibility of Android-based mobile devices: a prototype to investigate interaction with blind users
Chiti S, Leporini B
The study presented in this paper is part of mobile accessibility research with particular reference to the interaction with touch-screen based smartphones. Its aim was to gather information, tips and indications on interaction with a touch-screen by blind users. To this end we designed and developed a prototype for an Android-based platform. Four blind users (two inexperienced and two with experience of smartphones) were involved from the early phase of prototype design. The involvement of inexperienced users played a key role in understanding expectations of smart phones especially concerning touch-screen interaction. Skilled users provided useful suggestions on crucial aspects such as gestures and button position. Although the prototype developed is limited to only a few features for the Android operating system, the results obtained from blind user interaction can be generalized and applied to any mobile device based on a touch-screen. Thus, the results of this work could be useful to developers of mobile operating systems and applications based on a touch-screen, in addition to those working on designing and developing assistive technologies. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.
Chiti S, Leporini B
The study presented in this paper is part of mobile accessibility research with particular reference to the interaction with touch-screen based smartphones. Its aim was to gather information, tips and indications on interaction with a touch-screen by blind users. To this end we designed and developed a prototype for an Android-based platform. Four blind users (two inexperienced and two with experience of smartphones) were involved from the early phase of prototype design. The involvement of inexperienced users played a key role in understanding expectations of smart phones especially concerning touch-screen interaction. Skilled users provided useful suggestions on crucial aspects such as gestures and button position. Although the prototype developed is limited to only a few features for the Android operating system, the results obtained from blind user interaction can be generalized and applied to any mobile device based on a touch-screen. Thus, the results of this work could be useful to developers of mobile operating systems and applications based on a touch-screen, in addition to those working on designing and developing assistive technologies. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.
2012
Conference article
Restricted
Accessibility and usability of educational gaming environments for disabled students
Hersh M, Leporini B
This tutorial discusses accessibility and usability issues for disabled students. It briefly reports on a study of disabled students and teachers in the UK, Italy and Poland and presents guidelines and recommendations.
Hersh M, Leporini B
This tutorial discusses accessibility and usability issues for disabled students. It briefly reports on a study of disabled students and teachers in the UK, Italy and Poland and presents guidelines and recommendations.
See at:
CNR IRIS | ieeexplore.ieee.org | CNR IRIS
2007
Conference article
Open Access
An accessible and usable e-book as educational tool: How to get it?
Leporini B
Accessible electronic publications, such as electronic books, journals, and training tools, can be useful for disabled students and workers, particularly in an educational context. E-books are an important educational tool for supporting the real integration of disabled students into classroom activities or distance learning. This paper discusses the main features of an e-book which is appropriate for visually impaired readers. Developing useful educational e-books for blind and visually impaired students often requires the adaptation of e-texts for sighted readers and therefore a number of different factors needs to be considered. In this paper particular consideration is given to the development of e-books which are suitable for blind and visually impaired people.Source: CEUR WORKSHOP PROCEEDINGS. Granada, Spain, 28-31 August, 2007
Leporini B
Accessible electronic publications, such as electronic books, journals, and training tools, can be useful for disabled students and workers, particularly in an educational context. E-books are an important educational tool for supporting the real integration of disabled students into classroom activities or distance learning. This paper discusses the main features of an e-book which is appropriate for visually impaired readers. Developing useful educational e-books for blind and visually impaired students often requires the adaptation of e-texts for sighted readers and therefore a number of different factors needs to be considered. In this paper particular consideration is given to the development of e-books which are suitable for blind and visually impaired people.Source: CEUR WORKSHOP PROCEEDINGS. Granada, Spain, 28-31 August, 2007
See at:
ceur-ws.org | CNR IRIS | CNR IRIS
2013
Contribution to book
Metadata Only Access
An overview of accessibility and usability of educational games
Hersh Ma, Leporini B
This chapter presents an overview of accessibility and usability for educational computer-based games and the first survey of the accessibility and usability of digital educational games. The overview includes a discussion of accessibility and usability, both in general and in the specific context of educational games, as well as a brief presentation of issues relating to game design, including of mobile games. Since there are no previous studies of the accessibility and usability of educational computer-based games, studies of the accessibility and usability of the related areas of virtual learning environments, digital games for entertainment and PDF documents, are also presented. The overview of accessibility and usability and the results of the survey are used to draw up a structured list of 62 guidelines and recommendations, organised into three categories at the first level and ten at the second level. These guidelines and recommendations are illustrated by an example of their application to a fictitious new educational game.
Hersh Ma, Leporini B
This chapter presents an overview of accessibility and usability for educational computer-based games and the first survey of the accessibility and usability of digital educational games. The overview includes a discussion of accessibility and usability, both in general and in the specific context of educational games, as well as a brief presentation of issues relating to game design, including of mobile games. Since there are no previous studies of the accessibility and usability of educational computer-based games, studies of the accessibility and usability of the related areas of virtual learning environments, digital games for entertainment and PDF documents, are also presented. The overview of accessibility and usability and the results of the survey are used to draw up a structured list of 62 guidelines and recommendations, organised into three categories at the first level and ten at the second level. These guidelines and recommendations are illustrated by an example of their application to a fictitious new educational game.
See at:
CNR IRIS | www.igi-global.com