Dots and Letters: Accessible Braille-Based Text Input for Visually Impaired People on Mobile Touchscreen Devices

Elke Mattheiss, Georg Regal, Johann Schrammel, Markus Garschall, Manfred Tscheligi

Research output: Chapter in Book or Conference ProceedingsConference Proceedings with Oral Presentationpeer-review

Abstract

Tailored text input methods for visually impaired and blind users are needed on touchscreen devices to support their accessibility. Therefore, we developed a new Braille-based text input method named EdgeBraille, which allows entering Braille characters by swiping one finger along the edges of the touchscreen. The approach was compared with the current standard method of a talking keyboard, first in a short-term lab study (14 participants) and then during two weeks of daily training (7 participants). Overall EdgeBraille was perceived well by the users. In terms of user performance we found no significant differences between the two methods. Based on the evaluation results and the feedback of our participants, we discuss advantages and disadvantages of Braille-based methods in general and EdgeBraille in particular, as well as possibilities for improvements.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationComputers Helping People with Special Needs. Part I
PublisherSpringer
Pages650-657
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)978-3-319-08596-8
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Event14th International Conference, ICCHP 2014 -
Duration: 9 Jul 201411 Jul 2014

Conference

Conference14th International Conference, ICCHP 2014
Period9/07/1411/07/14

Research Field

  • Former Research Field - Technology Experience

Keywords

  • Text Input Method
  • Touchscreen
  • Mobile Devices
  • Braille
  • Visually Impaired and Blind Users

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