Gadget-Inspired Graphical User Interfaces

Computers are of little use for less literate people or people with no knowledge of using computers because of text intensive user interfaces, fear of technology and a steep learning curve for skills to use computers. We propose an approach to develop text-free user interfaces for computer applications. Text-free user interfaces can enable users to use computers without requiring them to learn English (or any other) language. Most of the people have some experience of using gadgets such as televisions, mobile phones, DVD players, washing machines, and microwave ovens etc. We propose to use the basic knowledge gained through the use of these gadgets to design user interfaces. The power button on a TV remote control can be mapped with computer start/shutdown process and channel switching activity on TV with application switching on a computer. This knowledge can be represented by a set of signs to develop user interfaces. Sign languages are being used by special people for communication since ages. The computers of today also make limited use of these languages in the form of Graphical User Interfaces augmented with text. Our proposed language is built on top of the sign languages and the most common symbols used in our daily life. This language is completely text-free and rich enough to represent complex tasks so that it can be used to develop text-free user interfaces for computer applications. Studies have also shown that, in addition to a lack of technical know-how of computers, a big hurdle for computer illiterate people, especially with low literacy, is a fear of technology. Designing user interfaces inspired by commonly used gadgets will also help these people in overcoming this fear.