A framework of assistive pointers for low vision users

Abstract

Manipulating a mouse pointer is often difficult for the low vision computer user. Working with such a small, mobile screen object is very visually demanding. Although several techniques have been used to address this problem, the design space of assistive pointers has not been fully explored by the current state of the art. This paper proposes a four dimensional framework to fully articulate the design space of assistive pointers for low vision users. The dimensions of the framework describe the key attributes of assistance offered to users by any pointing solution: the perceptual channel that carries the assistance, the stage of targeting supported by the assistance, the relationship between the assistance and the interface, and the degree of availability associated with the assistance.