Model-Based Design of Scanning Input Communication Aids: State of the Art and Research Issues

Abstract Scanning input communication aids are used by people with speech and motor disabilities. These aids are typically in the form of on-screen matrix of alphanumeric characters. To compose communicative messages, disabled users select characters from the matrix with scanning input methods. The problem faced by designers of such systems is to choose the best design from a large number of design alternatives. The problem may be alleviated by automated design methods based on user models. We performed a critical analysis of the related work and found that the present user models do not consider several factors that are important for user-system interaction. These include (a) scanning interaction, (b) visual search, and (c) user errors. In this paper, we present review and analysis of existing models and suggest directions for future research.

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