The aim of the GUIDE is to fill the accessibility, expertise, time, budget and framework gaps for the developers of Web&TV applications. This is realised through a comprehensive approach to integration of various user interface technologies, multi-modal adaptation to the user’s impairments and preferences and design-time virtual user simulation based on advanced user models.
As application platform, GUIDE targets connected TVs and Set-Top Boxes, including emerging application platforms such as HbbTV, but also proprietary STB middleware solutions that integrate broadcast and broadband services. These platforms have the potential to address the special needs of elderly users with applications such as for home automation, communication or continuing education.
The GUIDE objectives (and related targeted outcomes) can be categorized and summarized in the following way:
- Develop an open source software framework for automatic multi-modal adaptation of user interfaces to the impairments and preferences of elderly users on Web & TV platforms (STBs, Connected TV). (→ GUIDE framework)
- Realize a “virtual user”-centred design process for developers based on user simulation, to make involvement of user requirements in development more efficient. (→ GUIDE toolbox)
- Develop and standardise a new user model that reflects impairments and preferences of elderly people in order to enable multi-modal adaptation, in close cooperation with other European research projects. (→ GUIDE user model)
- Collect, process and share relevant design knowledge for application developers and provide it on a web-based portal. (→ GUIDE Handbook)
- Integrate existing as well as beyond state-of-the-art UI technology (remote control, free-hands & gesture control, speech, avatars) and perform user-dependent adaptation. (→ GUIDE UI components)
- Conduct extensive tests with elderly users to better understand requirements related to ageing-related impairments and preferences. (→ GUIDE user requirements & guidelines)
- Develop reference applications (home automation, media access, video conferencing and tele-learning) to improve social inclusion, assisted living and continuous learning of elderly users. Further the applications should validate the feasibility of GUIDE concepts for developers. (→ GUIDE applications)