Project Descriptions

3. Learning through Music

c) Adaptable Interfaces & Augmented Avatar - Introducing Tools  for the Disabled and Musicians in VR 

The basic idea of an adaptable interface is to conform to the abilities of the user - not only technical abilities dictated by the capabilities of the available hardware but also to the physical abilities of the person. For example, a game equipped with adaptable interface could be played using a standard gamepad while played by a healthy user and using visual head tracking and breath sensors in case of a severely disabled person. The topic of the research would be to research, create, implement and evaluate suitable frameworks and tools to enable implementation of adaptable interfaces that could be adjusted to the needs and abilities of the particular user.

Adaptable interfaces are of special interest when speaking about handicapped users. Most computer applications are designed for "normal", healthy users, with sufficient command of their limbs to be able to use the standardized interfaces (mice, keyboards, joysticks, etc.). Physically handicapped patients are either severely limited in the use of such applications or even completely prevented from doing so - such as in case of paralysis after a stroke. Making the applications more accessible by using an adaptable interface could mean a significant increase in quality of life for these patients - for example by establishing a communication link with outside world (e.g. instant messaging, e-mail) or by providing entertainment and distraction from their condition.

The topic of research would be to create, implement and evaluate suitable frameworks and tools to enable implementation of adaptable interfaces that could be adjusted to the needs and abilities of the particular user.

As should be seen, this project has a close connection to the topic of creating virtual accompanists as stated in paragraph 1c.

(Kristoffer Jensen, Tony Brooks, Eva Petersson)

(Click here to return to Projects page.)