SoundBar: exploiting multiple views in multimodal graph browsing

McGookin, D.K. and Brewster, S.A. (2006) SoundBar: exploiting multiple views in multimodal graph browsing. In: 4th Nordic Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, Oslo, Norway, 14-18th October 2006., pp. 145-154. ISBN 1595933255 (doi: 10.1145/1182475.1182491)

Abstract

In this paper we discuss why access to mathematical graphs is problematic for visually impaired people. By a review of graph understanding theory and interviews with visually impaired users, we explain why current non-visual representations are unlikely to provide effective access to graphs. We propose the use of multiple views of the graph, each providing quick access to specific information as a way to improve graph usability. We then introduce a specific multiple view system to improve access to bar graphs called SoundBar which provides an additional quick audio overview of the graph. An evaluation of SoundBar revealed that additional views significantly increased accuracy and reduced time taken in a question answering task.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Keywords: haptics, non-speech audio, visual impairment, visualisation
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McGookin, Dr David and Brewster, Professor Stephen
• Authors: McGookin, D.K., and Brewster, S.A.
• Subjects: Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science; Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA76 Computer software
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Computing Science
• Publisher: ACM Press
• ISBN: 1595933255
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2006 ACM Press
• First Published: First published in Proceedings of the 4th Nordic Conference on Human-Computer Interaction: Changing Roles.
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher