Audio User Interface for Visually Impaired Computer Users: in a Two Dimensional Audio Environment

In this paper we discuss a set of guidelines which could be adapted when designing an audio user interface for the visually impaired. It is based on an audio environment that is focused on audio positioning. Unlike current applications which only interpret Graphical User Interface (GUI) for the visually impaired, this particular audio environment bypasses GUI to provide a direct auditory output. It presents the capability of two dimensional (2D) navigation on audio interfaces. This paper highlights the significance of a 2D audio environment with spatial information in the context of the visually impaired. A thorough usability study has been conducted to prove the applicability of proposed design guidelines for these auditory interfaces. While proving these guidelines, previously unearthed design aspects have been revealed in this study.

Authors:

• Ravihansa Rajapakse
• Malshika Dias
• Kanishka Weerasekara
• Anuja Dharmaratne
• Prasad Wimalaratne

Keywords:

• Human Computer Interaction
• Audio User Interfaces
• 2D Audio Environment
• Visually Impaired Users

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