Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
07:08
Optimization of Synthetic Proteins: Identification of Interpositional Dependencies Indicating Structurally and/or Functionally Linked Residues
Published on: July 14, 2015
Nonvisual Support for Understanding and Reasoning about Data Structures
Brianna L Wimer1, Ritesh Kanchi2, Kaija Frierson3
1University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA.
Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. CHI Conference
|July 17, 2026
Summary
This study introduces Arboretum, a system that automatically generates accessible data structure representations for blind and visually impaired (BVI) computer science students. It preserves structural properties, offering tactile and navigable formats for better learning.
Area of Science:
- Computer Science Education
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Accessibility
Background:
- Blind and visually impaired (BVI) students encounter significant barriers in computer science education, particularly in learning data structures.
- Existing accessibility methods often focus on visual appearance rather than structural integrity, and scalable solutions are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an automated system that generates accessible representations of data structure diagrams for BVI students.
- To address the limitations of current approaches by preserving the underlying structural information.
Main Methods:
- A Wizard-of-Oz study was conducted to gather design requirements.
- An automated system, Arboretum, was developed to compile text-based diagram specifications.
- Arboretum generates three synchronized nonvisual formats: tabular, navigable, and tactile.
Main Results:
- Evaluation with BVI users demonstrated the effectiveness of tactile graphics for complex tasks like binary search.
- Multiple, complementary nonvisual representations were found to be beneficial.
- Existing digital navigation patterns showed limitations for structural reasoning.
Conclusions:
- The Arboretum system effectively reframes access to data structures by preserving their structural properties.
- This practical solution advances accessible computer science education for BVI students.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Deductive Reasoning
Deductive reasoning, or deduction, is the type of logic used in hypothesis-based science. In deductive reasoning, the pattern of thinking moves in the opposite direction from inductive reasoning. It uses a general principle or law to predict specific results. From these general principles, a scientist can predict specific results that remain valid as long as the general principles are correct.For example, a researcher can make specific predictions from the hypothesis "butterflies are attracted...
01:30Introduction to Structures
A structure is defined as a system of interconnected members designed to support or transfer forces and successfully withstand the loads acting on them. The internal forces of a structure can be determined by decomposing the structure and analyzing the free-body diagrams of the individual members or of a combination of members. This helps in understanding the structural elements' behavior and ensuring that the structure is stable and can withstand the subjected loads.
There are three main...
There are three main...
00:59Inductive Reasoning
Inductive reasoning is a form of logical thinking that uses related observations to arrive at a general conclusion. It is uncertain and operates in degrees to which the conclusions are credible. As such, inductive arguments can be weak or strong, rather than valid or invalid, and conclusions can be used to formulate testable, falsifiable hypotheses.Inductive reasoning is common in descriptive science. A life scientist makes observations and records them. This data can be qualitative or...
01:24Natural and Artificial Concepts
In psychology, concepts can be divided into two categories: natural and artificial. Natural concepts are formed through direct or indirect experiences. For example, consider the concept of snow. If you live in a place with regular snowfall, such as Essex Junction, Vermont, you know snow through direct experiences. You’ve seen it fall, touched it, shoveled it, and played in it. You recognize its texture, appearance, and even its smell. In contrast, if you live on an island like Saint Vincent in...
01:23Storage
A schema is a mental framework that helps individuals organize and interpret information. Schemata, formed from previous experiences, influence how we process new information: how we encode it, the inferences we make, and how we retrieve it. For instance, a schema for what a typical classroom looks like might include desks, a teacher's desk, a whiteboard, and students in such an environment. This expectation helps us quickly understand and navigate new classrooms without needing to analyze each...
01:26Structuralism
Structuralism, an early psychological theory developed by Wilhelm Wundt and his student Edward Bradford Titchener, sought to dissect the human mind into its most fundamental components. Wundt's groundbreaking work in his laboratory set the stage for Titchener to define structuralism's goal as cataloging the "atoms" of the mind—sensations, images, and feelings—akin to how chemists identify elements of matter.
Titchener's approach to structuralism was unique. He employed introspection, a method...
Titchener's approach to structuralism was unique. He employed introspection, a method...