My research has focused on the design, accessibility, and evaluation voting systems. In my research usability is defined by three metrics, effectiveness (accuracy), efficiency (time) and satisfaction (subjective usability), as designated by ISO 9241-11. So far, I have researched the usability of a novel, accessible audio voting platform. I am also currently researching the usability and validity of alternative methods of ballot review in electronic voting systems.

    My earliest study focused on the viability of an auditory-only interface for a voting system. The purpose of this study was to determine the overall usability of the system for comparison with traditional voting methods in order to reveal its standing as a voting system. The auditory voting system was developed and tested as a response to a lack of remote voting methods. It used an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, also known as an automated phone system, to allow users to vote using virtually any touch-tone telephone. This system was tested for usability and compared with traditional voting methods to ensure that it was a viable candidate as a voting method.

      Three iterations of the IVR voting system were designed and tested. Each iteration introduced a single change in the system in the attempt to increase cost effectiveness and accessibility, especially for the visually impaired. Each version of the IVR voting system was evaluated for usability and compared to ensure that changes made in the system did not reliably impact performance. The system was also compared to traditional voting methods such as paper ballots and electronic voting systems to determine its merit as a voting technology. The results from this study showed that the changes introduced into the IVR voting system did not negatively impact its performance. The IVR voting system’s usability metrics were also consistent with those of traditional voting technologies, which supported its standing as a voting medium.

      In my previous studies, I claimed the IVR voting system was an accessible voting technology, particularly for the visually impaired. This claim supported a follow-up study that tested the usability and performance of the IVR voting system with both the blind and sighted voting population to ensure it was usable by both populations.  Participants voted in a mock national election using the IVR voting system. The time to complete a ballot, number of errors committed, and subjective usability served as the metrics of usability that were measured in the study. The IVR voting system’s usability metrics were similar between the two voting populations, differing only in that the visually population rated the system higher in subjective usability than the sighted population.  These results revealed that the system is equally usable by both sighted and visually impaired individuals. The results not only supported the notion that the IVR voting system is an accessible voting technology, but that it is a technology that can be used universally.

      Currently, I am studying the practicality of different methods of ballot verification in a custom electronic voting system. This research was spurred by the findings of several studies indicating that the majority of voters do not notice changes to their ballot on the review screen of electronic voting systems. The goal of this study is to explore the usability of alternative methods of confirmation in a voting system. The alternative methods include in-line verification, which allows voters to confirm their ballot selections immediately after each contest, and a combination of the current popular review style (end-of-ballot) and in-line verification. Results from this study will shed light on possible alternative methods of verification that may increase notice of changes and errors. Implications from this study will not only impact the domain of voting, but other areas were verification of information is critical such as online banking.

      I plan to continue researching the usability of accessible interfaces. My previous work has proven how valuable a usable and accessible interface can be, and believe there are many facets were this research could have a huge impact. I would specifically like to research the usability of accessible mobile and other non-traditional interfaces. My goal would be to incorporate my training in universal design to develop interfaces that are usable by everyone, regardless of physical capabilities.