Considerations in Designing Human-Computer Interfaces for Elderly People

As computing devices continue to become more heavily integrated into our lives, proper design of human-computer interfaces becomes a more important topic of discussion. Efficient and useful human-computer interfaces need to take into account the abilities of the humans who will be using such interfaces, and adapt to difficulties that different users may face – such as the difficulties that elderly users must deal with. Interfaces that allow for user-specific customization, while taking into account the multiple difficulties that older users might face, can assist the elderly in properly using these newer computing devices, and in doing so possibly achieving a better quality of life through the advanced technological support that these devices offer. In this paper, we explore common problems the elderly face when using computing devices and solutions developed for these problems. Difficulties ultimately fall into several categories: cognition, auditory, haptic, visual, and motor-based troubles. We also present an idea for a new adaptive operating system with advanced customizations that would simplify computing for older users

Audio-tactile stimuli to improve health and well-being : a preliminary position paper

From literature and through common experience it is known that stimulation of the tactile (touch) sense or auditory (hearing) sense can be used to improve people's health and well-being. For example, to make people relax, feel better, sleep better or feel comforted. In this position paper we propose the concept of combined auditory-tactile stimulation and argue that it potentially has positive effects on human health and well-being through influencing a user's body and mental state. Such effects have, to date, not yet been fully explored in scientific research. The current relevant state of the art is briefly addressed and its limitations are indicated. Based on this, a vision is presented of how auditory-tactile stimulation could be used in healthcare and various other application domains. Three interesting research challenges in this field are identified: 1) identifying relevant mechanisms of human perception of combined auditory-tactile stimuli; 2) finding methods for automatic conversions between audio and tactile content; 3) using measurement and analysis of human bio-signals and behavior to adapt the stimulation in an optimal way to the user. Ideas and possible routes to address these challenges are presented

Blended Feedback: Delivery of feedback as digital audio on a computer programming unit

Traditionally students are taught in a classroom, lecture theatre, or laboratory, by staff. They are encouraged to question, discuss, and participate in learning activities maximizing learning potential and to engage in dialogue as a means of monitoring understanding. Staff use a variety of technological aids to assist in the learning process and thus provide a blended learning approach (meanwhile offering a diverse student body greater opportunity to engage). However, feedback on assessments is still largely delivered as the written word even though academics and students believe that assessment provides notification of the quality of work. Students are thus treated as distance learners with no requirement to acknowledge receipt or understanding. They are given comments, which they are expected to interpret and action independently. Student engagement on a programming unit was previously improved by setting many small assignments throughout the academic year. Student attitudes towards this assessment style were positive as they began to realise the benefits of regular practice over time. However staff became aware that they were writing the same comments on work for the same students week after week, and students were not engaging with feedback. Hence this work begins to explore the use of audio feedback alongside the traditional written word to understand how blended feedback could assist in the comprehension of programming code to novice programmers. A pilot study is conducted as a first step with mixed results. Audio feedback was popular with students and 80% would prefer audio feedback in future although 60% felt that it would not improve their future learning