Usability of GI for non-visual perceptualisation: Experiences from the HaptiMap Project
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The document discusses the Haptimap project, which focuses on developing haptic, audio, and visual interfaces for non-visual representation of geographical information, particularly for blind and partially-sighted users. It outlines the challenges in non-visual perceptualization and emphasizes the need for a toolkit that simplifies access to geographical information. The project aims to bridge gaps between different user backgrounds and enhance the usability of geographical information systems.
Usability of GI for non-visual perceptualisation: Experiences from the HaptiMap Project
- 1. Usability of GI for non-Visual Perceptualisation: Experiences from the HaptiMap Project Presenter: Paul Kelly Electrical & Electronic Engineering Queen’s University Belfast
- 2. Outline • Introduction to HaptiMap • Examples of how project partners currently use geographical information • Relevance of GI Usability • Our proposed solution (as yet unproven) 2 Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast
- 3. HaptiMap Overview • ―Haptic, Audio and Visual interfaces for Maps and Location-based Services‖ • Pedestrian Navigation • Non-visual representation of spatial information, e.g. Haptic Belt / Viflex / Sonification • (Non-exclusive) focus on blind and partially-sighted users 3 Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast
- 4. HaptiMap Overview ..cont’d • Target Audience: HCI Application Developers • Development of ―Adaptable Toolkit‖, i.e. cross-platform software library – Drivers for esoteric hardware – Simplified / usable interface to Geographical Information 4 Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast
- 5. Current Usage of GI • Task ―Perceptualisation of geographical information and interaction design‖ • 18 studies reported to EC • Studies that use conventional sources of GI tend to use conventional maps • Studies involving novel non-visual perceptualisation tend to use only self- generated Points of Interest — why? 5 Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast
- 6. An Exception – TouchMap • Simplified map shown on touchscreen • Vibrations felt when features touched • Data self-generated, but more complex: <map_feature> <name>BUILDING 4</name> <type>1</type> <id>4</id> <point> <x>21.0</x> <y>18.0</y> </point> <point> <x>0.0</x> <y>2.0</y> </point> <point> <x>4.0</x> <y>0.0</y> </point> <point> <x>0.0</x> <y>-2.0</y> </point> </map_feature> 6 Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast
- 7. Issues and Opportunities • Non-visual perceptualisation requires direct access to underlying vector structure of data → steep learning curve • HaptiMap partners from many different backgrounds – opportunity to ―bridge the gap‖ • Simplifying, or demystifying? • Toolkit GI data structure and API is a meeting point of the two ―sides‖ 7 Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast
- 8. Toolkit GI Data Structure • Geometry Point LineString Polygon • Attributes: integers, arrays of integers or strings • Toolkit Resource Files to give meaning to integers 8 Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast
- 9. HaptiMap is a large-scale integrating project funded by the European Commission under the 7th Framework Programme (FP7-ICT-224675) 9 Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast