Design principles for glancing at information by visually disabled users

We wish to explore the principles for the provision of glances at information to be used by those with visual disabilities. A glance, gist or brief look is an important aspect of interaction with the world via the visual system. Impaired vision, be that through the visual system itself or through impaired provision of visual stimuli (e.g. on mobile devices), a glance is much more difficult to acquire. So, in this Ph.D. work we wish to determine the principles that underpin how to design and evaluate a glance at information, such as Web pages, for visually disabled users. An ideal outcome of the project would be evaluated guidelines that web designers could use for marking-up Web pages so that these better afford the ability for people with visual disabilities to glance at the information they contain. A secondary aim would be to see whether these same principles assist mobile device users.

The project will take a co-creation approach, where both the research and the resulting guidelines will be designed in conjunction with people with visual disabilities.

Entry requirements:

i) a 2:1 UK Honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD

ii) an undergraduate degree at 2:1 or above and Masters award at Merit level in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD, or equivalent international qualifications

How to apply:

You will need to submit an online application through our website here: https://uom.link/pgr-apply

When you apply, you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents: 

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications

• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress

• CV

• You will be asked to supply contact details for two referees on the application form (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/ work email address as we may need to verify the reference)

• English Language certificate (if applicable)

Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team [Email Address Removed]

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor to discuss the application before you apply. The email address for Professor Robert Stevens is [Email Address Removed]

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