Here are a few opinions/suggestions:
The main justification/win with a touch screen in the context of the
information kiosk for information providers is the fact that new information
and new interfaces can be quickly provided without going around changing the
hardware in every kiosk.
This said, there are a few things in the information kiosk related to
accessibility that we definitely don't want changing from day to day: e.g. the
"activate speech mode" button etc. These could clearly be provided as real
buttons on the side.
I also liked the idea of using a telephone handset with the kiosk.
Returning to the interface design questions:
I would advocate a touch-sensitive screen providing all the virtual buttons
for accessing information that is under control of the information provider.
I would advocate real buttons for providing standard functions.
I would also advocate a real space-bar under the touch-screen that allows the
user to select the current virtual button. I suspect that this will be used
not only by the blind, but by users who can see the screen.
Having this "select button" (space-bar) will allow the blind user to
fearlessly explore the screen and hear the information, without actually
activating anything.
Also, I would advocate providing a tactile grid on top of the touch screen,
either permanently fixed to the display, or as an optional overlay.
As I said above, the primary advantage of the touch screen is the ability to
change the buttons on the screen from software. But it's probably true that
buttons will in general occur in consistent places. (This is just good
interface design).
So rather than clutter the touch-screen with Braille, I'd recommend a tactile
grid that the blind user can use to move his hand around the display in a
systematic manner. Such a grid would allow the user to build up a mental
coordinate system for the display, and be helpful in returning to points on
the screen that the user has explored.
Hope this is useful.
--Raman
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