Focussing on extra-ordinary users

Graham Pullin, Alan Newell (Lead / Corresponding author)

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

    31 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    "Universal Access" is often focused on modifying main-stream products to respond to the demands of older and disabled people - which implies an extremely wide range of user characteristics. "Accessible" system design can produce systems which may be "accessible" but are in no sense "usable". Many system developers also seem to believe that a consideration of older and disabled people mean the abandonment of exciting and beautiful designs. In contrast, we recommend driving inclusive design from the margins not the centre, and that designers should consider a number of "extra-ordinary users" in depth as individual people, rather than as representatives of an age group and/or disability, and design for their desires, and tastes as well as their needs. This provides a reasonable design brief, and the consideration of extremes acts as an effective provocation within the design process. A number of case studies will illustrate the effectiveness of this approach. Ways in which communication with extreme users can be most effectively conducted are also described.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationUniversal Acess in Human Computer Interaction. Coping with Diversity
    Subtitle of host publicationth International Conference on Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction, UAHCI 2007, Held as Part of HCI International 2007, Beijing, China, July 22-27, 2007, Proceedings, Part I
    EditorsConstantine Stephanidis
    Place of PublicationBerlin
    PublisherSpringer
    Pages253-262
    Number of pages10
    ISBN (Print)9783540732785
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2007
    Event4th International Conference on Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction 2007 - Beijing, China
    Duration: 22 Jul 200727 Jul 2007
    http://www.hci-international.org/index.php?module=conference&CF_op=view&CF_id=5

    Publication series

    NameLecture notes in computer science
    PublisherSpringer
    Volume4554

    Conference

    Conference4th International Conference on Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction 2007
    Abbreviated titleUAHCI 2007
    Country/TerritoryChina
    CityBeijing
    Period22/07/0727/07/07
    OtherHeld as Part of HCI International 2007
    Internet address

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