Animated skeuomorphic services for the web

Abstract

In Ontario, many individuals who speak and read languages other than English or French use government services. This major research project explores how to make services more accessible for populations who speak and read English as a second language. Following an analysis of services currently available, participatory design methods with Chinese speakers who do not read or speak English showed how written language can be augmented or replaced with animations, sound, and representations of physical objects (such as automobiles, forms, drivers licenses, and license plates) to deliver services to audiences from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Initial prototyping suggests that ‘realistic’ or ‘visual’ representations can effectively augment or replace written language when the aim is to convey something that is concrete, such as an automobile or license plate. When the aim is to convey something that is slightly less concrete, such a car or home, outline drawings can be effective. However, certain aspects of government services, such as legal disclaimers or privacy information, are more difficult to convey without written language, suggesting that writing can be minimized, but not eliminated completely