Assistive technology software for people with intellectual or development disabilities: Design of user interfaces for mobile applications

The term intellectual or development disabilities, (IDD) is a broader category of often lifelong disability that can be intellectual, physical, or both. People with such kind of disability have difficulties in carrying out one or more functions in their everyday life. Modern multimedia devices can significantly improve the quality of life of people with IDD and include them into the society. However, existing technical solutions applied in such devices only partially cover the needs of this kind of users. In this paper existing IDD classifications are analyzed and peculiarities of mobile software design for people with IDD based on these classifications are described. The user interface design as one of the most important aspect of the development of mobile software for people with IDD is considered. The user interface design technology meeting specific interface requirements to usability and accessibility is described. An example of using suggested technology in the development of digital travel assistant for people with IDD is presented.