Accessible speech-based and multimodal media center interface for users with physical disabilities

Abstract

We present a multimodal media center user interface with a hands-free speech recognition input method for users with physical disabilities. In addition to speech input, the application features a zoomable context + focus graphical user interface and several other modalities, including speech output, haptic feedback, and gesture input. These features have been developed in co-operation with representatives from the target user groups. In this article, we focus on the speech input interface and its evaluations. We discuss the user interface design and results from a long-term pilot study taking place in homes of physically disabled users, and compare the results to a public pilot study and laboratory studies carried out with non-disabled users. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.