Ian Pitt

Evaluating a Brain-Computer Interface to Categorise Human Emotional Response

The aim of this study is to evaluate Neuro Sky’s Mindset headset as a minimally invasive method of measuring the attention and meditation levels of a subject. Two psychologically-based tests were conducted to assess the suitability of the headset to measure and categorise a user’s level of attention and meditation.

Improving the usability of speech-based interfaces for blind users

Adaptations using speech synthesis provide a basic level of access to computer systems for blind users, but current systems pose a number of usability problems. A study was carried out in order to assess the impact of certain issues on the usability of a typical speech adaptation. The results suggest that much work needs to be done on the design of speech dialogues.

Interaction design: a multidimensional approach for learners with autism

In the special education context of children with autism, the design of educational software needs to focus on their unique learning styles. In this study, results of a survey in Irish Primary Schools, and interviews with tutors, indicate that characteristics of learners with autism need to be more integrated into the design process. An interaction model, based on Normans and Abowd and Beales models, provides a basis for mapping special user requirements and instructional strategies onto a model suited to the learner with autism. We propose this extended interaction model as a basis for design guidelines for effective educational software for these special needs learners.

Pointing in an auditory interface for blind users

Graphical user interfaces represent a potential barrier for blind computer users. In particular the mouse pointing device is difficult to adapt to non-visual interaction. An adaptation was developed which created an auditory space based on the metaphor of the cursor as microphone. Experiments carried out suggest that-though this auditory interaction will never rival the efficiency of visual interaction-it would be viable for some operations.

Designing help topics for use with text-to-speech

Speech technology can be used to provide online help to users in situations where visual display of online help is not possible, or has some display-related limitations. Presenting help material in this manner can also complement traditional online help systems. To date, most online help material has been developed with the assumption that the material will be read. This paper proposes a number of guidelines to assist in the creation and testing of help material that may be presented to users via speech synthesis engines. The paper also provides a brief overview of an on-going project that provides online help using speech technolog

Spatial Sound Enhancing Virtual Story Telling

Spatial sound information/cues may enhance the sense of immersiveness in virtual story telling. However, their role within complex, loosely-structured narratives is little understood. This paper describes a virtual heritage project that aims to convey a factual story using interactive virtual environments. Sound was added to the existing project in an effort to enhance the virtual experience. The use of sound is assessed through a user-study in order to assess its effectiveness and suggest methods of improvement.

Using eye tracking technology to identify visual and verbal learners

Learner style data is increasingly being incorporated into adaptive eLearning (electronic learning) systems for the development of personalized user models. This practice currently relies heavily on the prior completion of questionnaires by system users. Whilst potentially improving learning outcomes, the completion of questionnaires can be time consuming for users. Recent research indicates that it is possible to detect a users preference on the Global / Sequential dimension of the FSLSM (Felder-Silverman Learner Style Model) through a users mouse movement pattern, and other biometric technology including eye tracking and accelerometer technology. In this paper we discuss the potential of eye tracking technology for inference of Visual / Verbal learners. The paper will discuss the results of a study conducted to detect individual user style data based on the Visual / Verbal dimension of the FSLSM.

Beyond the Gamepad: HCI and Game Controller Design and Evaluation

In recent years there has been an increasing amount of computer game focused HCI research, but the impact of controller-related issues on user experience remains relatively unexplored. In this chapter we highlight the limitations of current practices with respect to designing support for both standard and innovative controllers in games. We proceed to explore the use of McNamara and Kirakowski’s (Interactions 13(6):26–28, 2006) theoretical framework of interaction in order to better design and evaluate controller usage in games. Finally, we will present the findings of a case study applying this model to the evaluation and comparison of three different game control techniques: gamepad, keyboard and force feedback steering wheel. This study highlights not only the need for greater understanding of user experience with game controllers, but also the need for parallel research of both functionality and usability in order to understand the interaction as a whole.

An improved auditory interface for the exploration of lists

Synthetic speech is widely used to enable blind people to receive output from computer systems. However, speech is slow to use compared with vision and places far higher demands on shortterm memow. These problems are particularly apparent when exploring farge data structures such as lists and tables. An experiment was conducted in which subjects were asked to memorise and recite lists of filenames. Analysis showed that subjects organised the material to aid recall and used a range of prosodic devices to convey this organisation to the listener. A practical list-reading program was developed which replicates-as far as possible the methods of organisation and spoken presentation used by the subjects. This program was evaluated in a practical task, in comparison with an existing speech-based system for blind users. The results showed that subjects performed the task significantly faster using the demonstration system and also reported lower levels of effort and mental demand.

User modeling to support the development of an auditory help system

The implementations of online help in most commercial computing applications deployed today have a number of well documented limitations. Speech technology can be used to complement traditional online help systems and mitigate some of these problems. This paper describes a model used to guide the design and implementation of an experimental auditory help system, and presents results from a pilot test of that system.