Information Technology Based Usable Ballot Interface Design for Persons with Visual Impairment in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Elections in Sri Lanka are conducted based on a paper-based voting system. Voters with visual impairment requires assistance of another to vote and cannot have an independent vote. In this study, two ballot interfaces were designed and examined that are capable of providing an independent voting experience for voters with visual disabilities: Button Tactile Ballot with button controls, Touch Tactile Ballot based on a touch interface. The design features of the interfaces were based on multi-modality and universal design guidelines. A foam prototype was provided to a group of users and usability metrics were used to measure the results. Feedback received for the test prototype could be interpreted that voters with visual disabilities prefer to use this multi-modal voting solution that provided mean SUS Scores of 88.25 and 84.44 for Button Tactile Ballot and Touch Tactile Ballot respectively. Users preferred the Button Tactile Ballot more than Touch Tactile Ballot while some preferred both. However, in terms of efficiency Touch Tactile Ballot was slightly ahead that of Button Tactile Ballot. Effectiveness wise also Touch Tactile Ballot was slightly higher, which was measured by the number of completed ballots without errors.