RESUMEN
The term telesupport is broad and encompasses many different applications with the shared mission of relying on electronic means to deliver services that improve quality of life. However, telesupport systems lack empirical research and efficient methods for the development of user requirements and design guidelines. Remote assessment methods using focus groups, as well as a suite of remote usability metrics using critical incidents, are described. These can be used to develop human factors design principles suitable for implementation in telesupport systems and other assistive technologies used by a broad range of people with disabilities. An integrated measurement system and extensions to remote measurement methods are discussed as a means of improving user-centered design of telesupport systems.
Asunto(s)
Dispositivos de Autoayuda , Interfaz Usuario-Computador , HumanosRESUMEN
A series of 3 studies was conducted to test free-modulus magnitude estimation as a measure of perceived presence in virtual environments (VEs) and to model the first- and second-order effects of 11 VE system parameters on perceived presence across 5 subtasks. Sequential experimentation techniques were used to build 4 empirical models using polynomial regression. An integrated empirical model of data combined across 2 experiments demonstrated that all significant factors had a positive effect on perceived presence. Three of these parameters--field of view, sound, and head tracking--had almost 3 times as much influence on presence than the other 4 significant parameters, which were visual display resolution, texture mapping, stereopsis, and scene update rate. Sequential experimentation was an efficient tool for building empirical models of perceived presence, but the subjective nature of this phenomenon and individual differences made data bridging across sequential studies problematic. It was concluded that magnitude estimation is a useful measure of perceived presence, and the resulting polynomial regression models can be used to facilitate VE system design decisions. This research has broad application in the selection and design of VE system components and overall design of VE systems.
Asunto(s)
Modelos Teóricos , Análisis y Desempeño de Tareas , Interfaz Usuario-Computador , Adolescente , Adulto , Percepción de Profundidad , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Análisis de RegresiónRESUMEN
Computers offer an almost limitless range of opportunities for persons with nearly any type and degree of disability. Standard computer configurations, however, can be difficult to access for users with disabilities. Six of the major data bases that describe adaptive computer hardware and software for users with disabilities are reviewed. The most appropriate data base to use depends not only on the type of aid desired but also on the means of access available to the individual, the frequency of use of the data base, and the price of the data base information. None of the data bases reviewed contains the detailed information needed when choosing devices compatible with the user's physical skills and task needs. Consequently, a less-than-systematic approach is currently taken when choosing accommodative aids. An integrated approach combining a capability assessment, a comprehensive needs analysis based on the tasks to be performed, a more detailed data base describing hardware and software, and usability testing is recommended for selecting the appropriate accommodative aid for computer users with disabilities.
Asunto(s)
Equipos de Comunicación para Personas con Discapacidad , Computadores , Bases de Datos Bibliográficas , Personas con Discapacidad , Dispositivos de Autoayuda , Programas Informáticos , Humanos , MicrocomputadoresAsunto(s)
Alfabetización Digital , Análisis y Desempeño de Tareas , Adolescente , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Percepción Espacial , VocabularioRESUMEN
Three types of training (fixed-difficulty, automatic-adaptive, and learner-centered) were used to teach 18 male and 18 female students a two-dimensional pursuit-tracking task. A 7-min tracking session, in which task difficulty shifted each minute, was used to measure transfer. Although training type did not result in differences in training time, students trained under learner-centered procedures had less tracking error during transfer. Females required on the average twice as much training as mates. During transfer no sex differences were noted. The differences in training time for males and females may reflect previous experience with similar motor-control tasks.
RESUMEN
To investigate the effectiveness of various types and numbers of adaptive variables, 48 subjects performed a two-dimensional pursuit tracking task for five 3-min training sessions. In the factorial design resulting in eight experimental conditions, three variables (frequency of the forcing function, ratio of acceleration to rate control, and control stick sensitivity) were either fixed or adaptive. A transfer and retention task in which the tracking situation changed periodically was used to evaluate the ability of subjects to adjust to change. Each adaptive variable was analyzed separately in training. The highest rate of adaptation in frequency occurred when frequency was the only adaptive variable. The rate of adaptation in acceleration was greater early in training when frequency also adapted. More adaptation occurred in gain when another variable also adapted. During transfer subjects trained adaptively generally showed more stable performance in the changing task situation. No reliable differences among conditions appeared in retention. Results are discussed in terms of stimulus and response similarity, the optimum number of adaptive variables, and the appropriateness of a changing task to evaluate adaptive training.