A User-Centred Approach to User Interface Languages and Icons: Co-evaluation and Co-creation of Accessible Digital Mobility Services

Abstract

AbstractChallenging the acceptance of what have been defined as universal and standard pictograms, this paper promotes a conceptual approach to improve non-textual communication in digital mobility and delivery services, to ensure that different types of people may access content in an intuitive manner, overcoming language, cultural, physical and cognitive barriers. Starting from the user-centred methodological process applied in the development of the Universal Interface Language tool, one of the main outcomes of the INDIMO EU project (Inclusive Digital Mobility Solutions), this paper presents a methodological path that can provide UX/UI designers, developers and service providers with a practical guide to defining a proper set of accessible and inclusive icons as part of the user interface, be it digital or physical. In particular, this paper points out the need for bottom-up initiatives based on the co-design of physical and digital interfaces and their components to create symbols and icons with a higher degree of universality. To this end, user evaluations of mobility specific and general icons, and recommendations based on the empirical research in the INDIMO project, are presented. These address the design, selection and integration of visual icons in accessible user interfaces for digital applications.