Audio Editing with a Game Controller for Blind Users

Abstract

Blind people can be regarded as predestined for professions in which audio material is processed. In such professions, editing audio files can be an everyday activity that can be difficult for blind people to manage with established audio editing software that provides user interfaces that are optimized for visual perception. We have developed an operating concept that allows a blind person without prior knowledge of the application to quickly complete basic tasks in audio editing, utilizing a standard game controller. The operating concept is based on a menu for selecting actions and controller buttons that can be pressed gradually to control the speed during fast-forward and rewind. Our results show that people with and without experience with game controllers were able to solve the given test tasks blindfolded.