Access to Computer Systems with Graphical User Interface by Touch: Haptic Discrimination of Icons

Abstract

The inherently visual nature of graphical user interfaces often makes it difficult for visually impaired or blind people to access current information systems. The purpose of this study is to examine the possibility of using haptic modality for “blind access” to graphical information systems by examining haptic discrimination performance of icons under geometrically transformed conditions. Seven sighted and five congenitally blind subjects discriminated ten icons by touch using the raised line drawings and the Optacon. Two haptic tasks were performed for each subject: 1) naming the icons, and 2) matching the icons under geometrical transformations. The performance in haptic discrimination of icons was dependent on display type and transformation. No significant difference in accuracy and latency between sighted and blind subjects could be found for the two-dimensional tactile displays employed in the study. The results of this study may have implications in the design of tactile communication systems.