IPv6 based Applications – Accessibility and Usability? Gunela Astbrink TEDICORE & ISOC-AU Australian IPv6 Summit 31 Oct – 1 Nov 2005

Overview ● Consumer applications of IPv6 ● What is accessibility and usability? ● Inclusive design ● User-centred design ● Possible applications ● Future for IPv6 consumer applications

Consumer applications of IPv6 ● Early but important stages ● Accessibility and usability may be key market incentive for uptake of IPv6 consumer applications ● Example of smart homes – Korean “ubiquitous home” – Security, information, entertainment and communication

Consumer applications of IPv6 ● Factors to consider for successful deployment of smart housing applications – Affordability – Compatibility and standards – Ease of use – Multi-modality – Involvement by users in set-up – Relevance to peoples' lives

What is usability? ● User-friendly and intuitive ● Easy to configure ● Easy to maintain ● Backwards compatible

What is accessibility? ● Reduction of barriers to use – Leading to usability by majority of population regardless of age or functional ability – This includes people with a disability ● Innovative solutions for people with a disability lead to innovative solutions for everyone – Speech recognition – Scanner

Inclusive design Also called: Design for all Universal design Not “one size fits all” Roots in architecture Adopted by accessibility advocates in IT&T Principles developed by Center for Universal Design

Seven principles of inclusive design Equitable use Flexibility in use Simple and intuitive use Perceptible information Tolerance for error Low physical effort Size and space for approach and use

Principles of inclusive design 1. Equitable use – People in a variety of situations and with a variety of functional requirements can use the device 2. Flexibility in use – Individual abilities and preferences are accommodated. 3. Simple and intuitive use – No particular experience, language skill or concentration is needed

Inclusive design principles 4. Perceptible information – Relevant information is provided regardless of ambient environment conditions or users' sensory abilities 5. Tolerance for error – Hazards and consequences of adverse actions are minimised

Inclusive design principles 6. Low physical effort – Interaction with device promotes comfort and efficiency and reduces fatigue 7. Size and space for approach and use – Appropriate size and space is provided for reach, manipulation and use regardless of user's body size, posture or mobility

Strategies of inclusive design For designers to better integrate features at the outset that meet the needs of as many users as possible – including people with disabilities 3 levels of Inclusive Design: Mainstream products using Inclusive Design principles Mainstream products designed for connection with assistive devices Specially designed products (COST 219, 1997)

Examples of inclusive design Large displays and good contrast good in low light conditions AND for person with vision loss Large buttons good for men with big fingers or wearing gloves AND for person with arthritis, limited motor control or vision loss

Examples of inclusive design Good sound quality good in noisy environments AND good for people with hearing loss Intuitive navigation systems Good for people needing to make fast decisions AND for older people

User-centred Design Active involvement of user in design process Iterative design and evaluation process Multi-disciplinary approach Most often used in a corporate context

User involvement Throughout the design process, interaction between users and developers to understand and define: The context of use The tasks How people will use the future product (ETSI, 2002)

Industry perspectives ● ICT corporations in Japan use inclusive design and interact with users during product development – Corporate Social Responsibility – Ageing population – Good market sense

Possible applications ● Scenarios from COST 219ter – Based on recognised needs – Solutions for identified issues ● COST 219ter is a European Commission project on telecommunications and disability with 18 member countries as well as USA, Japan and Australia

SCENARIO: In the kitchen Courtesy: Making Life Easier – COST 219ter (2005)

SCENARIO: Preparing to catch a bus Courtesy: Making Life Easier - COST 219ter (2005)

The future is close! Will accessibility and usability be a natural part of product development? Can assistive devices be easily plugged into any product? Will products be user-friendly? Will IPv6 based consumer appliances be accepted in the market-place?