Delivering instructions for inherently-3D construction tasks: lessons and questions for universal accessibility

The notion that usability follows from the three dimensions, user, system and task, is not new. Clearly any model of effective user-centered design includes some focus on task; our work is an attempt to refine this notion. In this paper, I discuss a class of problems that we have dubbed inherently-3D construction tasks. These tasks should lend themselves to dual presentations, particularly those that include user-controlled 3D models or realistic videos. The results of several studies are described; the results indicate that dual presentations are effective at presenting instructions for inherently-3D construction tasks. When embedded in dual presentations, 3D models may be effective in presenting instructions for these types of tasks as well, so long as users make use of the models. A number of discussion questions are posited as to how this work would transfer to a wider population of users than was included in the studies that are reported.