StereoMath: An Accessible and Musical Equation Editor

Kenneth Ge, Joo Young Seo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

For blind and low-vision (BLV) individuals, digital math communication is uniquely difcult due to the lack of accessible tools. Currently, the state of the art is either code-based, like LaTeX, or WYSIWYG, like visual editors. However, both paradigms view math communication as primarily a visual typesetting problem, and may be accessible but difcult to use. In this paper, we present an equation editor that is built from the ground up with BLV accessibility in mind. Specifcally, we notice that two of the biggest barriers with current technology are the high cognitive load and the lack of spatial relationships. Thus, we build an editor that uses spatial audio cues, muscle memory, tones, and more intuitive navigation to properly contextualize math equations. We discuss how this new paradigm can enable new levels of math communication, engagement, and literacy. Finally, we discuss natural next steps.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationASSETS 2024 - Proceedings of the 26th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery
ISBN (Electronic)9798400706776
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 27 2024
Event26th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility, ASSETS 2024 - St. John's, United States
Duration: Oct 28 2024Oct 30 2024

Publication series

NameASSETS 2024 - Proceedings of the 26th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility

Conference

Conference26th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility, ASSETS 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySt. John's
Period10/28/2410/30/24

Keywords

  • blind
  • equation editor
  • LaTeX
  • low-vision
  • visual impairment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design
  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Hardware and Architecture

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