Timothy O’Neil-Dunne wrote an article entitled “Ten reasons why 2010 is NOT the year of the mobile in travel” While much of what he said was interesting there were several issues I’d have to take strong disagreement about, especially the mention of accessibility.
Item 7 on his list “Vision impairment” and 8 “Dexterity..”: Timothy have you actually asked any visually handicapped users what they think? or done any background reading on the subject? There is clear evidence that the use of mobile devices help users with many forms of disablement.
INK361
Garmin
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Lucy Harris
Nothing Special
Robert, on the issue of Visual Impairment – this is something that is very dear to me as I have been trying to address the subject as much as possible. I had a family member who was visually impaired. Firstly I agree that mobile devices CAN improve the life of someone who is visually impaired. However when taken into the global context I dont think that the overall mobile environment pays any attention to those who are afflicted with poor visual skills.
As for dexterity – I fully stand behind my statements. I am part of a group of testers on a touch screen device and the issue of dexterity and quality of output is something that has been demonstrated with this device. I believe that the lack of attention to dexterity is a major deterrent for many people. Particularly older (including yours truly).
May I encourage you to participate in the comments section on the TNOOZ pages.
Thanks.