There are over 500 million people with disabilities in the world and the proportion of the population who are older is growing rapidly in most countries. Social exclusion and many other problems often result from their situation. It is recognised that developments in digital technologies and HCI can often help with the problems disabled people and older adults face, for example to maximise their choices and integration into mainstream society. However, there is also a danger that developments in digital technologies can lead to the further exclusion of these user groups, if they are not designed from the beginning with inclusive access as an aim.
Working Group 13.3 aims to make designers of digital technologies and complementary tools aware of the needs of these groups in order to encourage the development of more appropriate tools for accessibility, usability and positive user experience. As a result, systems will become more widely used, and the market for them will increase.
AIMS
- to make HCI researchers and practitioners and others designing and developing digital technologies aware of the needs and wishes of people with disabilities and older adults;
- to recommend guidelines for the design of digital technologies and complementary tools to facilitate their effective use by people with disabilities and older adults;
- to monitor the latest developments in the design of digital technologies and complementary tools and their impact on accessibility, usability, and user experience;
- to encourage the development of digital technologies and complementary tools which permit their adaptation to all users to the greatest extent possible.