 |
IBM: Interactively Blind Minded?
February 16th, 2009 by Theo, MMOsite Columnist |
IBM has released information regarding its Virtual Worlds User Interface for the Blind saying, "Virtual Worlds User Interface for the Blind is a prototype 'accessible rich Internet application' (ARIA) that gives blind users the ability to participate in many virtual world activities. It provides basic navigation, communication, and perception functions using GUI (graphical user interface) elements that are familiar to blind computer users."
Interfaces for the blind have been conceptualized since the popularization of the personal computer and possibly earlier. From the 1987 publication of "A user interface for deaf-blind people (preliminary report)" to many various hypothesized software like The vOICe, and devices like the e-Sullivan, there has been a long time need and desire to create such accessibility in the real and virtual world, and now IBM is accepting the challenge.
The IBM ARIA team hopes to utilize the efforts of visually able participants stating,
"As a way of enriching the virtual environment with descriptive semantic information, sighted users contribute annotations of virtual objects and places using a scripted gadget equipped by their avatar. These annotations are then made available to the blind users through the special user interface."
Along with literal descriptions, verbalization is also desired and designed for, as the website describes "A key aspect of the project is a special annotation device equipped by the avatars of sighted users. This device allows the sighted users to select virtual world objects and locations to describe for the blind. A Web browser page is then triggered, and the sighted user is allowed to enter accessible attributes, such as a custom name and short and long descriptions of the item or location. …It is also possible (and encouraged) for the user to record and upload a verbal description to the database. This data is later made available to the blind users through the user interface as they navigate into annotated areas."
Even if not specifically structured for game only use, it is likely that such an interface once popularized will be used in virtual and game worlds alike. It's apparent that IBM is looking to create an industry standard, something that can be used across various platforms as shown in this quote regarding the tools use in the Virtual World Second Life, "If successful, that portability would enable blind users to learn only one client application that is specifically tailored for their needs rather than learning a separate new application for each virtual world."
Although not the first time an interface for the blind has been attempted or theorized, hopefully experimentation by such a large and influential organization will bring attention to this and other vitally needed technologies to the forefront.
If you want to learn more or test drive the program, check out IBM's official prototype webpage.
