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An Optimized GUI Based On Users' Abilities

Posted by Soulskill on from the how-about-a-difficulty-slider dept.

Ostracus writes "Researchers at the University of Washington have recently developed a system, which, for the first time, offers an instantly customizable approach to user interfaces. Each participant in the program is placed through a brief skills test, and then a mathematically-based version of the user interface optimized for his or her vision and motor abilities is generated. The current off-the-shelf designs are especially discouraging for the disabled, the elderly and others who have trouble controlling a mouse, because most computer programs have standardized button sizes, fonts, and layouts, which are designed for typical users."

7 of 114 comments (clear)

  1. Let me help by djupedal · · Score: 5, Funny

    "Ok, Sir...now, just press any key..."
    "...?"
    "Sir...?"
    "...sorry, I can't find the 'any' key..."

    1. Re:Let me help by impaledsunset · · Score: 5, Funny

      As a user, I'm politely asking to stop making fun of me. It was only once that you, software designers, made us stupid with this any key thing. Do I have to remind you of your muffs, you know, things like "Keyboard not found, press F1 to continue?" I'm sure we scored more than you at this game!

    2. Re:Let me help by djupedal · · Score: 4, Funny

      Guy goes into a Home Depot and asks what they have that he can use to cut wood. Clerk shows him a shiny new chainsaw kit - the guy buys it and takes it home after being assured that he can bring it back if he isn't happy with it.

      Two weeks later the guy brings the chainsaw back to HD, saying he'd like to return it.

      "I'm sorry you had trouble Sir, what seems to be the issue?"
      "I worked from dawn to dusk for the last two weeks, but all I got done was half a lousy cord of wood - I'd like something that might make the job go a bit faster..."
      "I see - let me check it out for you..." says the clerk as he proceeds to fire up the chainsaw...gunning the engine and spinning the sharp-toothed chain, to which the surprised customer replies rather loudly...
      "What's that sound???"

    3. Re:Let me help by houghi · · Score: 4, Funny

      That is because the F1 will not make you continue.

      The interface clearly states: Would you like to delete the seleted file(s)?
      The answwer below it should read:
      All, No or Yes? Press A, N, Y key to continue.

      And if you do not believe that, I will make something else up.

      --
      Don't fight for your country, if your country does not fight for you.
  2. Re:Tech support by martin-boundary · · Score: 2, Funny

    I use an xterm, you insensitive clod!

  3. narrowed performance gap by VeryLargeNumber · · Score: 1, Funny

    "From initial tests, the system narrowed the performance gap between disabled and able-bodied users by 62%."

    There are two ways to narrow a performance gap, you know. Make poor performers work better, or slow down good performers so they don't get ahead of the group.

    The second approach is often used in math classes in high school.

  4. Re:Partially an old had... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    will you be patenting your ideas under the name shampoo?