GUI access for blind users : a sound initiative

In this paper a description is given of an experiment in which the feasibility of a non-visual GUI device was explored. Both blind and blindfolded subjects participated in the experiment. Because experienced blind GUI us.ers are scarce, a playing card metaphor was used as the basis for the screens presented to the subjects. During the experiment, subjects were asked to locate and select/drag a specific object with the help of the non-visual interaction device. The results of the experiment show that the interaction device is suited for use in a non-visual GUI access system. However, the results also indicated that the addition of an auditory/tactile localization aid is desirable.