Communication Technology and New Media Commons^™

Integrating Ability-Based Design In Printed Electronics, Kimberly Eder

Graphic Communication

The purpose of the study is to determine if a printed electronic device can be adaptable to the visually impaired, the role that accessible design has in the development of printed electronics, and to determine if integrating accessible design prohibits usability and performance.The findings will provide better understanding of how to modify a printed electronic paper device to suit a wider range of end users and the relationship of usability and accessibility in printed electronics.

Experts in the field were interviewed to get information and feedback about the project.Also, a human research experiment was conducted.Cal Poly students, from different areas …

Aesthetically Designed Maps: Development And Perception, Catherine Wang

Graphic Communication

This research explored the creative element of subway map creation in light of its effectiveness. Printed subway maps, used often for metropolitan cities and areas, are limited in physical dimension and scale, carrying minimal information. The New York, San Francisco Bay Area, Tokyo, Paris, London and Moscow subway maps highlight similar design and abstraction that fulfill the basic necessary elements for subway patrons. Over the years since the first metro map for each city was created, maps have become more simplified by removing physical land features and reference points to make way for expanding and new subway lines, stations, and …

Improving Accessibility To The Visually Impaired Through Web And Interface Design, Andrew William Deem

Graphic Communication

The purpose of this study was to investigate the current state of visual accessibility to visually impaired users in the areas of web and device interface design. As the Internet grows in importance and more people are expected to utilize networked technology the need for a truly accessible system becomes more important.

Web designers play a tremendous role in controlling ease of access to content through the structure, layout and navigation options utilized in their designs. These choices dramatically impact a user's ability to fully utilize the capabilities of the Internet.

As network technology grows beyond the web, consumers are …