Abstract. This paper presents a geo-visualization system that can be personalized based on range of abilities of users and contexts of use. The personalization features uses the Inclusive User Model which simulates interaction and uses those to adapt interfaces based on perceptual, cognitive and motor abilities of users. For example, the proposed visualization system will automatically adjust font size and colour contrast based on perceptual capability of users. It also adjusts spacing between interactive screen elements based on motor abilities of users and context of use. A preliminary user study confirmed that the personalization feature can enhance the usability experience of users.Keyword: Personalization.
IntroductionThis paper presents a geo-visualization system that can be personalized based on range of abilities of users and contexts of use. The personalization features uses the Inclusive User Model [4] which simulates interaction and uses those to adapt interfaces based on perceptual, cognitive and motor abilities of users. Interface personalization is well explored in the domain of content personalization and developing intelligent information filtering or recommendation systems based on user profiles. In most of those systems content (or information) is represented in a graph like structure (e.g. ontology or semantic network) and filtering or recommendation is generated by storing and analyzing users' interaction patterns. Little research work has been done beyond content personalization. A few representative and significant projects on interface personalization are the SUPPLE project at University of Washington [6,11], and AVANTI project [9] for people with disabilities. The SUPPLE project [11] personalizes interfaces mainly by changing layout and font size for people with visual and motor impairment and also for ubiquitous devices. However, the user models do not consider visual and motor impairment in detail and thus work for only loss of visual acuity and a few types of motor impairment. The AVANTI project [9] provides a multimedia web browser for people with light, or severe motor disabilities, and blind people. It distinguishes personalization into two