WebAlly: Making visual task-based CAPTCHAs transferable for people with visual impairments

Zhuohao Zhang, Zhilin Zhang, Haolin Yuan, Natã Barbosa, Sauvik Das, Yang Wang

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

Abstract

Task-based visual CAPTCHAs are a significant accessibility hurdle for people with visual impairments (PVIs). What if PVIs could transfer task-based visual CAPTCHAs to a helper to solve? How might PVIs want such a system configured in terms of from whom they would solicit help and how they would compensate this help? To answer these questions, we implemented and evaluated a proof-of-concept assistive transfer system - W E B A L L Y - that makes task-based CAPTCHAs transferable by allowing PVIs to source just-in-time, remote control help from a trusted contact. In an exploratory, role-play study with 10 pairs of participants - a P V I and a friend or a family member - we asked participants to use W E B A L L Y in four different configurations that varied in source of help (friend vs. stranger) and compensation (paid vs. volunteer). We found that PVIs liked having W E B A L L Y as an additional option for solving visual CAPTCHAs, when other options that preserve their independence fail. In addition, many PVIs and their friends felt that using the system would bring their relationship closer. We discuss design implications for transferable CAPTCHAs and assistive transfer systems more broadly, e.g., the importance of complementing rather than replacing PVIs' existing workflows.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 17th Symposium on Usable Privacy and Security, SOUPS 2021
PublisherUSENIX Association
Pages281-297
Number of pages17
ISBN (Electronic)9781939133250
StatePublished - 2021
Event17th Symposium on Usable Privacy and Security, SOUPS 2021 - Virtual, Online
Duration: Aug 9 2021Aug 10 2021

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 17th Symposium on Usable Privacy and Security, SOUPS 2021

Conference

Conference17th Symposium on Usable Privacy and Security, SOUPS 2021
CityVirtual, Online
Period8/9/218/10/21

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality

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