Access To Environments
Nomensa presented the results of their research program into the accessibility of the Linux command line interface at the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) Techshare conference, Birmingham. Simon Norris, Jonathan Shipley and Léonie Watson gave the presentation - Access To Environments In Linux.
Growing numbers of people use Linux as a desktop machine and development continues at a rapid pace. It is anticipated that this project will be able to contribute feedback to developers so that accessibility of Linux could be improved.
Running a full-blown graphical user interface (GUI) as a blind user places an unnecessary burden on system resources and provides an interface model based on the Windows Icon Mouse Pointer system (WIMP), which is purposely designed as a visual desktop metaphor. Running a compatibility layer and screen reader on top of such a GUI is the currently accepted standard as it opens up the full range of programs made for Intel/Windows systems.
The research investigated the command line and graphical user interfaces under the Linux operating system, represented by Emacspeak and Gnopernicus respectively. Further global comparisons were also made between the options available under Linux and the Microsoft Windows platform.
A lively debate followed Nomensa's presentation on whether the Linux operating system was a viable option for an average computer user with a visual impairment.
Simon Norris, managing director of Nomensa commented,
The event was a great success, creating opportunities for collaboration and exploration into how technology can be used to assist people with visual impairments from all walks of life. Nomensa actively researches all aspects of both usability and accessibility and this project was an exciting challenge for both Léonie and the technical team at Nomensa.
Léonie Watson, Nomensa's head of accessibility and expert screen reader user added,
We investigated the accessibility of text-based and graphical modes on the Linux platform. The project involved looking at common tasks such as email, the Internet, games and audio playback. The basic common tasks were achievable with a little perseverance but overall a lot of work, in areas such as support and documentation, would be needed to make the Linux option as all round user friendly as the experience offered by Windows.
Léonie conducted this research with the help of Jonathan Shipley, Director of Technology. The command line is an incredibly different way of interacting with a computer! You can read more about the results of this project in our resource section.
About Nomensa
Established in 2001, Nomensa is the digital agency which specialises in perfecting online user experience. It combines usability, accessibility and strong web development skills to help public and private sector clients develop online strategies, be more inclusive and accountable.
Nomensa has a research based methodology that put people at the centre of its activities. Everything it does focuses on understanding the experience people have when using technology.
Nomensa works with FTSE 250 companies, Central Government Departments, Local Authorities and Councils, and leading Universities, as well as several other organisations in the finance, IT and charity sectors.
