An article on SlashDot points to this article: “Special GUI for your eyes only” which discusses University of Washington research on adapting GUI’s to the abilities of the user instead of the user adapting to the GUI which is commonplace today. The program, named Supple, has the user do various tests testing to find the best way for the user to control the system. The technology can be used for example to determine that a user would benefit from larger than “normal” buttons to provide a larger clicking interface.
It appears that currently the focus is on improving a point and click interface – read mouse. I hope that this concept is furthered and taken to keyboards as well. For example, some users may have no difficulty with a three keystroke shortcut, while others may have the use of one hand and two keystroke combinations on the same side of the keyboard would be easier and faster. Some programs, including Microsoft Word, do allow the user to customize keyboard shortcuts now, but I find the process to often be tedious, time consuming and less than intuitive. Also if the system could help figure out what the best shortcut would be for the long-term that could be help. Is CTRL+H really the best for Find and Replace? Or would I find that I can type that keystroke very quickly and easily and that a far more common task that I complete is creating a hyperlink?
Interesting research and interesting ideas… Keep on inventing and sharing.