There is a growing population of individuals who are motivated to use a computer but find it physically difficult to do so, particularly when using a pointing device such as a mouse. Common pointing problems include inability to select small targets, difficulty moving a pointing device in a straight line, or difficulty controlling the pointer's buttons. There are many software adaptations that can improve pointing performance, however the key to these solutions is identifying when to deploy them. In my thesis, I am working to build software that can automatically assess pointing problems and their severity during real world computer use, and deploy appropriate assistive adaptations. In order to evaluate real world interaction with GUIs, I am developing both data capture and analysis tools that are application independent. This software-based approach to improving computer access is powerful because it will be able to adapt to an individual's changing needs and work across applications.
/lp/association-for-computing-machinery/automatic-assessment-and-adaptation-to-real-world-pointing-performance-FET62Rfs2d