Activity 1 - Real Users
For the
following pictures decide what existing or fantasy input/output devices would
benefit them. Remember people have five senses sight, smell, taste, touch, and
hearing, so you might want to create devices for each of them – there is also
the possibility of direct brain input.
According to the pictures, these might be the input and output devices that would benefit them.
A corporate worker, telephone operator:
Input Devices: - Computer Keyboard: Used for typing and entering data.
- Mouse or Trackpad: Enables navigation and interaction with graphical user interfaces.
- Scanner: Used to convert physical documents or images into digital format.
- Touchscreen: Devices, such as laptops or tablets, having touchscreens for direct interact.
- Barcode Scanner: Common in inventory management or asset tracking.
- Biometric Devices: Such as fingerprint scanners or facial recognition for security.
- Webcam: Used for video conferencing and virtual meetings.
- Microphones and Voice Input Devices: Used for voice commands or communication in virtual meetings.
- Graphics Tablet or Stylus: Useful for graphic design or tasks that require precise drawing or input.
- Card Reader: Used for reading smart cards or identity cards.
Output Devices: - Computer Monitor: Displays visual output from the computer.
- Headphones or Speakers: For audio output, important for communication, meetings, or multimedia work.
- Projector: Commonly used for presentations in meetings or training sessions.
- Printer: Used for producing hard copies of documents.
- LED/LCD Display: Used in network operations centres or for monitoring system status.
- Smartphone or Tablet: Portable devices for accessing information.
- Haptic Feedback Devices: Provide tactile feedback, useful in certain applications or virtual reality environments.
- Data Projector: Used for large-scale presentations or training sessions.
Family with 2 kids under the age of 7:
Input Devices: - Keyboard and Mouse: Simple, child-friendly designed keyboards and mice.
- Touchscreen Monitor or Tablet: Interactive touchscreens can be intuitive for young children.
- Child-Friendly Game Controllers: If the family engages in gaming, consider controllers designed for young kids.
- Stylus or Drawing Tablet: Encourages creativity and drawing activities.
- Webcam with Kid-Friendly Features: If the family participates in virtual meetings or video calls, a webcam with built-in fun filters or features might be entertaining for the kids.
Output Devices: - Child-Friendly Headphones: Protects young ears and allows the kids to watch educational videos or play games without disturbing others.
- Colourful and Fun Speakers: If the family listens to music or watches videos together, speakers with a playful design can enhance the experience.
- Kid-Safe Monitor: Consider a monitor with eye protection features, appropriate size, and perhaps adjustable height for a comfortable viewing experience.
- Interactive Whiteboard or Smart board: A large touch-sensitive display that can be used for educational games and interactive learning.
- Projector for Family Movie Nights: Turn a wall into a makeshift movie screen for family movie nights.
Woman who is visibly aging:
Input Devices: - Large Print Keyboard: Keyboards with larger, high-contrast letters can be easier for elderly individuals with visual impairments.
- Ergonomic Mouse or Trackball: A comfortable and easy-to-use mouse or trackball with larger buttons and ergonomic design.
- Touchscreen Monitor or Tablet: If comfortable with touch technology, a touchscreen can be intuitive for browsing and simple tasks.
- Voice Recognition Software: Allows the user to control the computer and input text using voice commands, which can be beneficial for those with limited dexterity.
- Stylus or Pen Input Device: Useful for individuals who may have difficulty using a standard mouse but are comfortable with a pen.
- Keyboard with Programmable Keys: A keyboard with programmable keys can be customised to launch specific applications or functions with a single press.
Output Devices: - Large Monitor with Adjustable Brightness and Contrast: A larger screen with adjustable settings for brightness and contrast to accommodate visual impairments.
- Text-to-Speech Software: Converts on-screen text into spoken words, aiding those with visual impairments or difficulty reading.
- Screen Magnifier: Enlarges portions of the screen, making it easier for individuals with low vision to see details.
- Hearing Aid-Compatible Headphones or Speakers: For those with hearing impairments, devices that are compatible with hearing aids or provide clear audio output.
- Adjustable Height Desk and Chair: Ergonomically designed furniture can make it easier for the elderly individual to use the computer comfortably.
- Printer with Easy-to-Use Features: A printer with simple controls and easy-to-replace ink or toner cartridges.
Blind person reading a book with Braille:
Input Devices: - Braille Display: A Braille display is a tactile device that converts on-screen text into Braille characters. It typically has a series of small, refreshable Braille cells that change dynamically as the user interacts with the computer.
- Braille Keyboard: This type of keyboard has Braille characters embossed on the keys, enabling the user to input text in Braille.
- Voice Recognition Software: For tasks that might be challenging with a Braille keyboard, voice recognition software allows the user to control the computer using spoken commands.
Output Devices: - Speech Synthesiser/Screen Reader: Screen reading software converts on-screen text into speech, providing auditory feedback for the user. This is essential for accessing information on the computer.
- Braille Embosser/Printer: This device converts digital text into embossed Braille on paper, providing a physical copy of digital content for the user.
- Audio Output Devices: Quality speakers or headphones compatible with screen reading software for clear and precise audio output.
- Haptic Feedback Devices: Some devices can provide haptic feedback to enhance the user's sense of touch, aiding in navigation and interaction with the computer.
- Accessible Software: Ensure that the computer is equipped with screen reading software (like JAWS, NVDA, or Voiceover) and other accessibility features that can be tailored to the blind user's needs.
Young Asian boy wearing traditional dress, who may not speak English:
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Input Devices:
- Touchscreen Monitor or Tablet: Young children often find touchscreens intuitive and easy to use. Interactive educational apps with images and simple games can be effective for learning.
- Child-Friendly Keyboard and Mouse: Choose a keyboard and mouse designed for small hands with colourful and engaging designs. Consider devices with larger buttons and simple layouts.
- Drawing Tablet or Stylus: Encourage creativity and early artistic development with a drawing tablet or stylus that allows the child to draw directly on the screen.
- Voice Recognition Software: If the child is not yet proficient in typing, voice recognition software can be used to enable interaction with the computer through spoken commands.
Output Devices:
- Colourful and Animated Display: Choose a monitor with vibrant colours and animated graphics. Child-friendly wallpapers and screen savers can make the computing experience more visually appealing.
- Child-Friendly Headphones: Consider comfortable and safe headphones designed for children, especially if the computer will be used for educational games or videos.
- Quality Speakers: If headphones are not preferred, ensure the computer has quality speakers to provide clear audio feedback for games, videos, or interactive learning apps.
- Multilingual Educational Software: Install age-appropriate and multilingual educational software that focuses on visual and interactive learning, promoting language development and basic skills.
- Printed Material in the Child's Native Language: If available, provide printed educational material in the child's native language. This can complement the digital learning experience.
- Parental Controls: Set up parental controls to ensure that the child has access to age-appropriate content and to manage screen time effectively.
Activity 2 - Discussion
What do you need to know or be able to do to control a computer?
You must have some operating system proficiency where you can understand the fundamentals of your computer system to navigate.
- Know the basic components of your computer and their functions (CPU, RAM, storage, etc.)
- Be familiar with using input devices like keyboards, mouse, touchpads, or touchscreens.
- Understand and use common software applications for tasks like word processing, web browsing, and email.
- Manage files and folders, including creating, copying, moving, and deleting.
- Navigate the internet, use web browsers effectively, and practice online security.
- Basic troubleshooting to diagnose and resolve common computer issues, both hardware and software.
- Follow security practices, including software updates, antivirus use, and recognising potential threats.
- Connect and manage peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, cameras, etc.
How do you want to control your computer?
1. Web Browsing - Navigating the internet for information and communication. Streaming movies, music, playing games, and engaging with online content.
2. Communication - Email, messaging apps, video conferencing for personal and professional communication.
3. Content Creation - Producing documents, presentations, graphics, and multimedia content.
4. Programming and Coding - Writing, testing, and debugging code for software development.
5. Digital Art and Video Design - Creating digital art, illustrations, editing photos, videos and designs using graphic design software.
6. Educational Purposes - Online learning, research, and educational software for self-improvement.
Activity 3-Mobile Accessibility
Elements of Task:
1) Consider the activities that you use a smartphone for?
- They are: Calling, texting, e-mailing, social media, video streaming, taking video/pictures, playing games, note taking , news and so on.
2) Consider how the hardware or software would need to be designed to enable somebody who is blind or has a visual impairment to do each task?
- While ordering something online for them , who has visual issue and want to buy something on there own:
Browsing and Selecting with Review Feedback:
- Screen reader compatibility for product descriptions such as colour, texture and design.
- Include tactile elements or voice prompts for navigation.
- Haptic feedback to confirm on select items or deselection.
- Customisable interface based on preferences such as font size, style, colour contrast and voice speed.
- Include ratings and reviews delivered through audio summaries to aid with decision making.
Adding to Cart and Reviewing Orders:
- Enabling voice commands or gestures to add items.
- Confirmations through both audio and haptic feedback.
- Narrate a summary of the order via screen reader.
Payment and Check Out with Order Tracking:
- Offer secure voice/Touch ID for checkout authorisation.
- Real-time shipment updates using audio notifications with alternate formats like Braille for tracking information.
Returns and Exchanges:
- Clear audio description to guide the user through the return or exchange process.
- Allow voice initiated for return requests.
