Automated Personalization of Input Methods and Processes

Personalization, aiming at supporting users individually and according to their individual needs and prerequisites, has been discussed in a number of domains, including learning, searching, or information retrieval. In the field of human-computer interaction, personalization also bears high potential as users might exhibit varying and strongly individual preferences and abilities related to interaction. For instance, users with certain kinds of motor impairments might not be able to use certain input devices and methods, such as touchscreens and touch-based interaction. At least a high amount of time consuming individual configuration typically arises. Further, interaction preferences might also vary among people without known impairments. Thus, personalized interaction, taking into account these prerequisites, might offer individualized support and solutions to potential problems. Personalized interaction involves automated selection and configuration of input devices but also adaptation of applications and user interfaces. This chapter discusses personalized interaction generally and presents a software framework that provides a template for a feasible technical infrastructure. Further, it explains a specific case study of personalized interaction that was implemented on the basis of the framework, and discusses an evaluation process and results for this use case.