Designing GUIs for low vision by simulating reduced visual acuity: reduced resolution versus shrinking.
Frode Eika Sandnes · PubMed · 2015
The visual uniqueness of information carrying icon and text elements has received little attention in the HCI research literature. The information carrying elements of graphical designs must be visually unique in order to be visually recognizable. This is increasingly important with the diversity of form factors and types of information displays. This paper explores two simple strategies for testing visual designs by simulating low visual acuity, namely by reducing the resolution and by shrinking. Two case studies demonstrate that low vision simulation by shrinking is more effective than reducing the resolution. Moreover, the case studies show how the low vision simulation can help identify design aspects that need attention. Design shrinking is not a substitute for user testing on actual user groups, but meant as a tool for early screening of designs and an aid for designers to help understand the effects of their design. The method can also be used as a tool for communicating design problems and justifying design decisions to stakeholders of a project through presentations and reports.