Using a common semantic structure to provide comparable contextual models of users and technology

Abstract

The accessibility solution that is appropriate for an individual in a given situation may be provided through variations in the choice of device, assistive technologies (AT) and adaptations used. Profiles can be created to represent users and technology, however, owing to trade-offs between profile specificity and transportability, there is currently no universally accepted method for creating profiles for holistic interaction. This paper describes an approach which represents both user and technology in symmetrical (hierarchical) recursive profiles, using a vocabulary that moves from device-specific to device-agnostic capabilities. Through the use of semantic relationships, capabilities can be attributed -and accessibility comparisons made-at varying (appropriate) levels of granularity, using contextually comparable data. Where accessibility problems are identified, they are described in terms of the gap between the capabilities of the user and technology, inherently providing a functional description of the support required. Speculative augmentation can then be used to evaluate different solutions in order to maximise accessibility for the individual. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.