KeySurf
March 2008
CanAssist and SET-BC are collaborating to organize a usability study to test a keyboard navigation system for the web called KeySurf.
CanAssist is a non-profit organization based at the University of Victoria dedicated to developing technology and devices of all kinds for people with disabilities. Developed at CanAssist, KeySurf is an extension to the Firefox web browser that allows users to follow links and click buttons using the keyboard instead of the mouse. Instead of pointing and clicking at links, users type where they want to go, with the goal being that any link should be accessible with two or three keystrokes. The system learns the user's browsing habits and tries to make selecting common links easier with time.
The purpose of this study is to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the design of KeySurf when used by youth with physical or motor disabilities that make accurate mouse pointer control difficult. Study participants will be recruited from lower mainland and south island schools and asked to use KeySurf for their regular web browsing tasks for an extended period of time. During this time KeySurf will record statistical information on how it was used and what problems were encountered. Participants will also be asked to fill in a post-test questionnaire to give qualitative feedback on the system and offer ideas for further improvement. After the conclusion of the study, KeySurf will be released to the public for free use.
We look forward to seeing KeySurf in action! If you would like to know more about this study or CanAssist in general, please visit the CanAssist website.