Redesigning Input Controls of a Touch-Sensitive Pin-Matrix Device

To support blind people in dealing with graphical user interfaces some two-dimensional Braille devices were developed. In order to ensure an efficient workflow not only the preparation of content, but also the handling of the device has to be well usable. In this paper, the redesign of a touch-sensitive pin-matrix device is discussed. At first, some mock-ups of additional input controls were designed and evaluated with six blind users. As the position of the keyboard has been found to be important for ergonomic aspects, a second user evaluation was conducted. Based on the results of these two studies, a proposal for redesigning the device as well as some basic design recommendations can be given. Furthermore, the new BrailleDis 7200 is described in detail.