2 research outputs found
The audio game laboratory: Building maps from games
Audio games demonstrate an emergence of interactive
parameter mapping sonifications that potentially optimally
display geographical information and a large number of
simultaneous data variables. Our preliminary investigation of
audio games is in response to a call for more research on
parameter mapping sonifications, such as the best way of
presenting auditory legends for representations, effectiveness
of spatial audio, map comprehension techniques, and finding
optimal sonic variable mappings. We also present a proposed
set of auditory map interfaces observed in audio games.
Commercially available interactive interfaces and audio
games – that have been shaped and informally “tested” by
the selection pressures of a demanding consumer market –
can serve as examples of potentially effective conventions
informing future work in the auditory display research
community
Designing Accessible Nonvisual Maps
Access to nonvisual maps has long required special equipment and training to use; Google Maps, ESRI, and other commonly used digital maps are completely visual and thus inaccessible to people with visual impairments. This project presents the design and evaluation of an easy to use digital auditory map and 3D model interactive map. A co-design was also undertaken to discover tools for an ideal nonvisual navigational experience. Baseline results of both studies are presented so future work can improve on the designs. The user evaluation revealed that both prototypes were moderately easy to use. An ideal nonvisual navigational experience, according to these participants, consists of both an accurate turn by turn navigational system, and an interactive map. Future work needs to focus on the development of appropriate tools to enable this ideal experience