Visual Impairment: The Use of Visual Profiles in Evaluations of Icon Use in Computer-Based Tasks

This research investigates an empirical link between characteristics of impaired vision and user performance on computer-based systems. The underlying premise of this research is twofold: specific aspects of visual dysfunction can be linked to the task performance demonstrated by computer users with impaired vision, and graphical user interfaces can be modified to evoke enhanced performance from low-vision users. Iconic selection time and accuracy within a graphical user interface were evaluated, comparing performance of low-vision users with performance of fully sighted users, and linking task performance to specific profiles of visual impairment. Results indicate that visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, visual field, and color perception were significant predictors of task performance. In addition, icon size, set size, and background color significantly influenced performance. This research confirmed the validity of both underlying premises and serves as a launching point for future research concerned with developing features that will assist users with a variety of visual deficits.