Scanning-Based Interaction Techniques for Motor Impaired Users

Scanning is an interaction method addressing users with severe motor impairments, which provides sequential access to the elements of a graphical user interface and enables users to interact with the interface through at least a single binary switch by activating the switch when the desired interaction element receives the scanning focus. This chapter explains the scanning technique and reports on related approaches across three contexts of use: personal computers, mobile devices, and environmental control for smart homes and ambient intelligence environments. In the context of AmI environments, a recent research approach combining head tracking and scanning techniques is discussed as a case study.