Symbol Creator: An alternative Eye-based Text Entry Technique with Low Demand for Screen Space

Virtual keyboards used by physically impaired users for text entry usually display all characters simultaneously on the screen. Applications where saving physical space is critical, however, require another approach. A common option is grouping several symbols under one key and employing a hierarchical selection mechanism. We present an alternative technique (Symbol Creator) based on assembling characters using segments that resemble basic elements of Latin cursive. This technique was empirically evaluated along with another technique developed as an eye-gaze analogue to mobile phones’ multi-tap system. In terms of accuracy and entry speed, both techniques performed equally well. Subjectively, however, Symbol Creator was the preferred method, since it was perceived as being more fun to use and less frustrating than the other technique. These findings suggest that designers of text entry systems for disabled users should not stick to menu treebased systems – there are also other solutions to on-screen space saving problem.