Virtual cursors to enhance web accessibility for people with limited dexterity

Abstract

Basic web interactions, such as pointing and clicking links with an on-screen cursor, can be highly challenging for people with a lack of dexterity in their hands or arms. Much research has been done on studying point and click interactions, but most of this has focused mainly on able-bodied people interacting with standard pointing devices. In this paper, we present the design and the usability evaluation of two virtual cursors for assisting motor-impaired users when pointing and clicking links while browsing the Web. Results of a usability study involving nine motor-impaired and six able-bodied users applying their usual pointing device in a web-based experiment are presented. According to their self-reported assessments, the results show the acceptance and usefulness of both virtual cursors compared to the original unassisted one, underlining the importance of providing motor-impaired people with virtual enhancements to improve their web browsing ability.