Evaluating an Interface for Cross-Modal Collaborative Information Seeking

The objective of the work reported here is to develop an understanding of cross-modal collaborative information-seeking (CCIS) between visually impaired (VI) and sighted users in order to learn how best to support it. In a previous article, we reported the CCIS process that occurred when 14 pairs of users, one sighted and one VI, performed web-based collaborative information-seeking (CIS) tasks in two settings: Co-located and distributed. In that study, participants used their tools of choice: Web browsers, search engines, notetakers and communication tools. We discussed the difficulties encountered, including those imposed on VI users due to the current limitations of screen readers. In this article, we report a study using the same participants undertaking similar search tasks, but this time using a commercially available CIS system, which we enhanced to improve its accessibility. In this study, in order to examine the impact of the interface on the process, we looked at the CCIS process from two perspectives: The actions of individuals collaborating with one another and the interactions of each individual with each interface. The results showed that both sighted and VI users benefited from the use of an integrated, purpose-built tool, both in terms of task performance and levels of satisfaction. The analysis of these interactions is then used to formulate guidelines for the design of accessible CCIS systems.