Providing Graded Help

This draft is out of date, there may be new research and new technologies that are relevant to this topic.

THIS ISSUE PAPER IS A WORK IN PROGRESS

Introduction

Challenges for People with Cognitive Disabilities

Can be critical (Should this be added to the list below?)

Settings

Different potential types of symbols and language support for help text and key content

As a first step I am trying to determine different use cases and potential settings (this seems like a note. Can I change tone or delete)

Types of Language Support

Restricted Vocabulary

Language may be restricted to a given vocabulary, or a subset of that vocabulary. When words are outside the known language, an explanation should be provided using known words.

Further, specific jargons can be added if they are known to the user

For example: options - one of the following:(can the word "options" be removed from this phrase as it is clear that the following are options)

  1. Restricted vocabulary such as Globis (Is a reference to Globis needed?)
  2. Restricted such as Globish 100 most common words
  3. Restricted such as Globish 500 most common words + Easy Web Jargon lexicon. (Is a reference to Easy Web Jargon lexicon needed?)

Usage

Any or all of (add "the following:" for consistency)

  1. Literal language only
  2. Active voicing when possible
  3. Number free when possible. Avoid, or give an alternative for use of numerals, text for numerals and numerical concepts
  4. Small chunks (short sentences, paragraphs etc.)

Graphical Support

Options (can the word "options" be removed from this phrase as it is clear that the following are options) - one of the following:

  1. Symbolic images as support (pictograms or icons) with option (to select) a preferred set
  2. Realistic images (pictures or drawing) as support
  3. Either Symbolic images, pictograms or Realistic images as support

Types of Symbols and Pictures

Options - one of the following: (can the word "options" be removed from this phrase as it is clear that the following are options)

  1. Use a given symbol/picture set as preference (can include use my families or personal symbols/pictures were ever possible) (use of the word "my families" isn't clear)
  2. Use a given symbol/picture set strong preference
  3. Hide content without symbol/picture support

Frequency of Symbols/Pictures

How many symbols does the user prefer (use judiciously depending on context and appropriateness for content).

Options - one of the following: (can the word "options" be removed from this phrase as it is clear that the following are options)

  1. Use support symbols/pictures as much as possible
  2. Use support symbols/pictures moderately (One per sentence)
  3. Use support symbols/pictures some (One per paragraph)

Help

Any or all of the following:

(Can "I want" be change to "Usage of")
  1. I want tooltips
  2. I want side panel
  3. I want side panel that can be opened when I click on my help icon
  4. I want links to "more information" when ever possible
  5. I want definitions in the side panel
  6. I want link to human help whenever possible

Notes