Poster: An exploratory analysis to elicit requirements for avatar-based interfaces aimed at the deaf community

Irene Mazza, Carlo Geraci, Alessandro Mazzei, Fabiana Vernero

Abstract: This article describes an exploratory analysis aimed at defining user experience (UX) guidelines for avatar-based interfaces targeting the deaf community. The LIS4LL software, a program for the automatic translation from Italian to LIS (Italian Sign Language) in the railway domain, is used as a prop to elicit user requirements. LIS4LL was developed, in prototypical form, thanks to the support of European funds and the collaboration of numerous academic and industrial partners. The objective of this analysis, conducted using a questionnaire distributed to 63 participants with varying degrees of deafness, is the investigation of the strengths and weaknesses of the software from the UX point of view. Particular attention is devoted to the perception of the avatar and to the transmission of content that does not have an equivalent in LIS, as is the case with the names of many stations. Here we discuss the results of our analysis, with the aim of offering useful hints for the improvement of a technology capable of breaking down language barriers, favoring and promoting social inclusion.