Scenario-Based Observation Approach for Eliciting User Requirements for Haptic User Interfaces

Abstract

As tactual information processing of visually impaired users has not been investigated sufficiently and there are few guidelines on the development of haptic user interfaces, development of haptic assistive system can pose many challenges. Despite the breadth and variety of tools available for elicitation of user requirements, no single tool adequately provides the needed information to develop such a specialized system for a unique user population where the understanding of user behaviors is limited. This article explores the state-of-art of requirements engineering, discusses the challenges in developing a haptic assistive system, and proposes a methodology of combining a controlled observation in a naturalistic setting with scenario-based design for effective and efficient user requirements elicitation. A case study of developing a haptically enhanced, collaborative learning-by-feeling science education system for visually impaired students was conducted to show validity and effectiveness of the proposed methodology. The case study showed that the methodology has a variety of benefits including the reduced uncertainty and a better fit to the natural behaviors of the user population.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sangwoo Bahn

Sangwoo Bahn is an assistant professor of Industrial and Management Engineering at Myongji University, Korea. He received his Ph.D. degree in Industrial Engineering from Seoul National University, Korea, in 2010. His research interests include user interface design, affective engineering, and user modeling.

Brendan Corbett

Brendan Corbett is a human factors and ergonomics consultant. He completed his M.S. degree in Industrial Engineering at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, United States. His research interests include performance modeling, universal usability, and human information processing.

Chang S. Nam

Chang S. Nam is currently an associate professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering at North Carolina State University, Raleigh. He is also an associated faculty member in the UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering and Psychology Department. His primary research interests are brain–computer interface, neuroergonomics, rehabilitation engineering, and haptic user interfaces.