A robust design for accessible text entry

Abstract

This paper describes the author's dissertation research on designing, implementing, and evaluating the Edge Write text entry method. The goal of this research is to develop a method that is highly "robust," remaining accessible and accurate across a variety of devices, abilities, circumstances, and constraints. Edge Write is particularly aimed at users with motor impairments and able-bodied users "on the go." To date, this research has resulted in versions of Edge Write for PDAs, touchpads, displacement joysticks, isometric joysticks, trackballs, 4-keys, and more, all of which use the same Edge Write alphabet and concepts. The stylus version, for instance, has been shown to be significantly more accurate than Graffiti for both able-bodied and motor-impaired users. Similarly, the trackball version has been shown to be better than on-screen keyboards for some people who use trackballs due to motor impairments. This paper discusses these and other achievements, and points towards future work on a mobile phone version for situationally-impaired users. From its inception, Edge Write has been developed with the help of participants, both able-bodied and motor-impaired.