An Approach to Predictive Evaluation for Users with Special Needs

A.V. Artífice, J.B. Lopes, J.A. Jorge, and M.J. Fonseca (Portugal)

Keywords

Accessibility, Usability, User modelling, Assistive technology, Interaction, Simulation

Abstract

This paper addresses the prediction of user moves in a case study where user interaction with a software game is predicted on the basis of λ-parameters acquired from users with special needs playing the game. A model was built to reproduce actions performed by such users to overcome the difficult set-up of tests given user reduced availability, mobility and varying/erratic behaviour. Data on user actions was collected from video recordings of users playing a game requiring them to roam a virtual house and perform some tasks. The tests were carried out with users with disabilities such as severe physical injuries, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. A three level simulator was developed with part of the data collected during experiments, the remaining experimental data serving as reference for validation. Data analysis calculated the λ- parameter required by the Poisson and Exponential Distributions used by the statistical approach adopted. The tests performed showed an excellent statistical fit of the data simulated with the reference data.

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