Computer Science Department, PhD Defense Khulood Alkhudaidi "Steps Toward Sign Language-Centric User Interfaces Guidelines Through Culturally Aligned Research Practices "

Khulood Alkhudaidi

PhD Candidate

WPI – Computer Science

Wednesday, January 29, 2025,

Time:  2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Zoom link: https://wpi.zoom.us/j/6665914184

Advisor: Prof. Erin Solovey, WPI – Computer Science

Committee:

Prof. Gillian Smith WPI– Computer Science

Prof. Lane Harrison WPI – Computer Science

Prof. Dhruv Jain University of Michigan - External Committee member

Jeanne Reis ASL Education Center – External Committee member

Abstract: 

Researchers have made efforts to localize online content; to provide culturally and linguistically aligned content for different cultures, considering aspects such as users’ languages, cultures, and ways of interaction. However, most of these efforts did not consider the Deaf culture which is a distinct culture with a shared language (i.e. American Sign Language in the United States), conventions, and experiences of deafness; that likely influence Deaf individuals’ perceptions, preferences, and visual attention of UIs.

 Providing high-quality signed translation, designing the user interface with the Deaf culture perspective, and evaluating the design and experience using culturally aligned research practices are essential to foster equitable access to online content for Deaf signing users in their primary language (e.g. ASL in the U.S.) without reliance on secondary written languages (e.g. English in the U.S.). This design concept is called sign language-centric design.

 Within this scope, the dissertation centers on:

1. Understanding Deaf ASL-signing users’ preferences and perceptions of customized video elements, styles, and layouts in a survey context.

2. Understanding Deaf ASL-signing users’ preferences and perceptions of general customized video elements, styles, and layouts.

3. Investigating scanning patterns among Deaf ASL-signing users to improve the layout.

This work serves as a foundation for sign language-centric user interface design guidelines where Deaf ASL signers have equitable access to online information in their primary language (ASL).