Assistive technology moving forward

We all use different forms of technology every day - some of us couldn't function without it. But most computer interfaces have been designed with a one-size-fits-all approach, which can cause frustration, exclusion and in some cases damage to the body causing Repitive Strain Injury.

Two researchers at the University of Washington who shared the frustration of poorly designed computer equipment, have set out to solve the problem which has been foiling scientists for years ..

... how to design the perfect computer workstation.

The answer? The determined students developed a software programme that automatically generates a interface based on user-defined factors - ability to use functional elements, such as buttons, and the layout, space and size of these elements. Each user is put through a skill test and a userface is generated depending on the results, optimising their abilities.

One of the two young researchers, Krzysztof Gajos, explained, "Assistive technologies are built on the assumption that it's the people who have to adapt to the technology. We tried to reverse this assumption, and make the software adapt to people.

We're still a couple of years away before people could use this in a real application," says Gajos.

We all hope that day comes soon and when it does it will generate a massive change in the industry. We are looking forward to the time when technology will not be limited by the users ability, but the technology will mold to that person and optimise their skills.