Technology for the Greater Good
Named after the Greek word for "open," the purpose of Anikto (ah-NEEK-toh) is to explore and develop barrier-free digital experiences through speaking engagements, published articles and client deliverables.
Anikto operates under the core principle that innovative, highly utile media benefits users of all abilities and competencies.
Read more about Anikto and Kel Smith
Anikto has submitted a SXSW panel titled "Innovations in Accessibility: Designing for Digital Outcasts" and welcomes all feedback, comments and votes. (Especially votes.) Read the SXSW submission.
SXSW 2011 Panel – Designing for Digital Outcasts
Published Fri, 13 Aug 2010 09:02:33 +0000
Every year I miss SXSW for one reason or another, but this year I've submitted a panel topic for SXSW 2011 and your feedback is appreciated!
Categories: About Anikto, Education, Marketing Accessibility, Mobile, Universal Design, Virtual Worlds and Accessibility, Web Accessibility
Innovation, Experimentation, Accessibility and Inclusivity
Published Sun, 08 Aug 2010 05:38:21 +0000
This past week saw an exceptionally high number of interesting developments in the area of inclusive design and digital innovation.
Categories: About Anikto, Accessibility and the Law, Marketing Accessibility, Technology, Touch Screens, Universal Design, Virtual Worlds and Accessibility
20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Published Mon, 26 Nov 2010 08:00:28 +0000
Today marks the 20th anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), described as the Emancipation Proclamation for people with disabilities.
Categories: Accessibility and the Law, Education, Marketing Accessibility, Mobile, Technology
Recent and Upcoming Publications — Virtual Accessibility
Published Sun, 13 Jun 2010 14:46:56 +0000
The word is out on the economic and social value of virtual environments among people with disabilities. Anikto is humbled and proud to be a participant in this conversation.
Categories: About Anikto, Education, International Accessibility, Marketing Accessibility, Universal Design, Virtual Worlds and Accessibility, Web Accessibility, accessibility
iPad Accessibility, Part Two
Published Sat, 05 Jun 2010 16:25:36 +0000
We just can't get enough of the iPad. From every media outlet come mentions of the device as it pertains to our digital lives. Of particular interest to readers of this blog are the iPad's applicability relating to digital accessibility.
Categories: Accessibility and the Law, Mobile, Speech Recognition, Technology, Touch Screens, Web Accessibility, accessibility, autism, downs syndrome, iPad
The Business Rationale for Virtual Accessibility
Published Mon, 31 May 2010 13:43:07 +0000
With approximately 27 percent of the world population over the age 45 and experiencing an increased incidence of disability, commercial retailers have an opportunity to capture a demographic segment with strong purchasing power. And it may just involve virtual worlds.
Categories: Aging, International Accessibility, Marketing Accessibility, Psychology of Disability, Universal Design, User-Centered Design, Virtual Worlds and Accessibility, Web Accessibility, accessibility, Amazon, Amazon Life, Dusan Writer, e-commerce, Metaverse, NFB, Second Life, Target, universal technologies, universal technology, Virtual Worlds
Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Section 508
Published Sun, 23 May 2010 14:01:21 +0000
A free webinar tomorrow will go over changes to the technical provisions of Sections 508 and 255, covering how all can participate in the process to make sure that final regulations benefit current and emerging ICT.
Categories: Accessibility and the Law, E-Government, Education, Marketing Accessibility, Section 508, Social Technology, Technology, Virtual Worlds and Accessibility, accessibility, EASI, Section 255, Virtual Worlds, webinar
Impressions of the iPad
Published Sat, 08 May 2010 14:57:36 +0000
I've had the iPad a full week now, loaded it up with apps and taken it on the road a bit. It's a game changer, but a subtle one.
Categories: Mobile, Social Technology, Speech Recognition, Technology, Uncategorized, Web Accessibility, Apple, iPad, Touch Screens, universal technology
Unitech 2010 Conference on Universal Technologies
Published Wed, 05 May 2010 13:06:57 +0000
The virtual worlds for health road show continues, this time taking Anikto to the Norwegian capital of Oslo.
Categories: About Anikto, Education, International Accessibility, Marketing Accessibility, Technology, Twitter, Universal Design, Virtual Worlds and Accessibility, accessibility, Oslo, Unitech, Unitech2010, universal technologies, universal technology, Virtual Worlds
PhillyCHI April Meeting – “Revealing Treasures from the Amazon” with Jared Spool
Published Sat, 10 Apr 2010 11:14:16 +0000
Anikto will be one of the sponsors for an upcoming PhillyCHI event with usability legend Jared Spool.
Categories: About Anikto, Marketing Accessibility, PhillyCHI, Amazon, Jared Spool
iPad Accessibility
Published Sun, 04 Apr 2010 14:10:34 +0000
The lines formed around city blocks this week, in great anticipation of the iPad arrival. There is plenty of chatter about what the iPad means for personal computing, but what about accessibility?
Categories: Cognitive Disabilities, Marketing Accessibility, Mobile, NFB, Speech Recognition, Technology, Apple, Cognitive Disabilites, iPad, Touch Screens
Kel Smith’s “Virtual Worlds” CSUN 10 Presentation Available Online
Published Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:54:51 +0000
Many thanks to everyone for their kind interest in my CSUN presentation. By request I've posted the full slide deck with notes and annotations online.
Categories: About Anikto, Education, Social Technology, Technology, Universal Design, Virtual Worlds and Accessibility, Web Accessibility
Virtual Worlds Presentation at CSUN Conference
Published Sun, 21 Mar 2010 12:51:48 +0000
This week I’ll be speaking at the The 25th Annual International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference in San Diego, hosted by California State University Northridge (CSUN), on inclusive virtual technology.
Categories: About Anikto, Technology, Virtual Worlds and Accessibility, Web Accessibility
On Cultivating Teams
Published Sun, 14 Feb 2010 17:22:59 +0000
Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is in the final year of his current contract, and a recent New York Times article brings to mind the importance of managing teams of multiple personalities and capabilities.
Categories: Education, Development, Managing Teams
Accessible Web Experience for MLB
Published Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:30:21 +0000
In a week where my area saw two major snowstorms, I am comforted by the thought that pitchers and catchers report for spring training in just a few days. Baseball fans with disabilities may have additional reasons to rejoice.
Categories: Accessibility and the Law, User-Centered Design, Web Accessibility
“Virtual Worlds” Presentation at Interaction10
Published Thu, 01 Jan 1970 04:00:00 +0000
Next weekend I’ll be speaking at the Interaction10 conference in Savannah GA, hosted by the Interaction Design Association (IxDA) at the Savannah College of Art and Design, on the topic of virtual worlds and people with disabilities.
Categories: About Anikto, Marketing Accessibility, Technology, Universal Design, User-Centered Design, Virtual Worlds and Accessibility, Web Accessibility
“Virtually Inclusive” Presentation at Temple University
Published Sat, 16 Jan 2010 15:41:49 +0000
On January 25, I’ll be speaking at the Temple University College of Science and Technology as part of their colloquium series. The talk will cover ongoing and emerging trends in Web and digital accessibility.
Categories: About Anikto, Accessibility and the Law, Marketing Accessibility, Universal Design, User-Centered Design, Virtual Worlds and Accessibility, Web Accessibility
The Lessons of ‘Avatar’
Published Fri, 08 Jan 2010 08:53:06 +0000
Since James Cameron's Avatar hit the screens, it seems that there is no lack of discussion about the role virtual worlds play within the greater consciousness. What does this mean for user experience and accessibility professionals?
Categories: Psychology of Disability, Technology, Universal Design, Virtual Worlds and Accessibility
Defining Public Accommodation in Virtual Worlds
Published Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:14:16 +0000
Two stories arose this weekend about the use of virtual worlds. Although wholly separate, the two threads are more related than they may appear at first.
Categories: Accessibility and the Law, Education, International Accessibility, Technology, Universal Design, Virtual Worlds and Accessibility
Why Universal Design is Important
Published Sun, 20 Sep 2009 08:00:16 +0000
Developing products with Universal Design principles in mind is not a matter of catering to the "lowest common denominator," but rather a sound strategy that benefits all your customers.
Categories: About Anikto, Accessibility and the Law, Education, International Accessibility, Marketing Accessibility, Mobile, Social Technology, Technology, Twitter, Virtual Worlds and Accessibility, WEB-ARIA, Web Accessibility, Web 2.0
Web Accessibility Overkill
Published Mon, 11 Sep 2008 06:00:04 +0000
No one should question the importance of implementing good accessibility practices in web-based media. Sometimes, though, development teams go too far in applying accessibility features in their designs. Here are some tips to translate those good intentions into something of tangible benefit for users with disabilities.
Categories: Web Accessibility
Why Web Accessibility Efforts Fail
Published Sun, 24 Oct 2009 10:55:16 +0000
According to a recent report, the accessibility of federal government websites continues to be an ongoing area of need. This brings to mind the reasons why a number of sites fail to comply with Section 508 standards.
Categories: Accessibility and the Law, E-Government, Marketing Accessibility, Section 508, Technology, Universal Design, Web Accessibility
The Responsibility of Engagement
Published Sat, 27 Aug 2009 10:00:12 +0000
There was a bit of a firestorm within the web design community presenting no shortage of self-actualized vitriol and lessons to be learned. And as usual, a number of key points are being overlooked.
Categories: Social Media, Social Technology, Twitter
Starting in the Middle
Published Tue, 03 Aug 2009 07:00:37 +0000
Questions abound concerning the potential and influence of social media marketing in the life science vertical, and the answer may very well lie in the discovery of communities of common practice.
Categories: Education, Social Technology, Virtual Worlds and Accessibility
Gender, Disability and Identity in Virtual Worlds
Published Mon, 25 May 2009 12:00:37 +0000
A panel discussion took place this week at the International Communication Association Conference in Chicago on conceptual models of inclusion. Among the topics discussed was the role of identity, disability and gender in virtual environments such as Second Life.
Categories: Psychology of Disability, Social Technology, Technology, Virtual Worlds and Accessibility
Killing the Web Accessibility Stereotype
Published Thu, 14 May 2009 07:00:04 +0000
Providing safe and barrier-free access to digital means of commerce makes good business and ethical sense. There still appears to be an assumed dichotomy, however, between websites that are attractive but also accessible.
Categories: Marketing Accessibility, Universal Design, User-Centered Design, Web Accessibility, XHTML/CSS
The Future of Web Accessibility
Published Sat, 28 Nov 2008 11:28:16 +0000
About this time of year, we begin to see an increase in articles and blog posts bravely attempting to predict future interests in various industries. The arena comprised of web design and virtual technology is no different.
Categories: Semantic Web, Social Technology, Virtual Worlds and Accessibility, WCAG 2.0, Web Accessibility, web 2.0
In the News: Mobile Apps for the Disabled
ReadWriteWeb discusses the latest developments in making accessible smartphone applications for the disabled, blind and deaf. Read more about mobile apps for the disabled.
In the News: Mario Eye Controller
Waterloo Labs announced a game console that allows players to control the game by simply moving their eyes. Read more about the Mario eye controller.
In the News: Communication with People Who Have Disabilities
Arriving from the US Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy is a new guidance on how to use affirmative phrases in reference to people with disabilities. Read more about communicating with people who have disabilities.
In the News: Should You Pet That Guide Dog?
Assistance dog etiquette is sometimes confusing for people who are not disabled. K9 Magazine offers guidelines when encountering these specially bred and trained dogs, courtesy of the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind. Read more about dealing with assistance guide dogs.
In the News: Emerging Tech Brings Real and Virtual Worlds Closer Together
Whurley of Chaotic Moon Studios describes technology that operates as a layer of information overlaid on the senses, including a mobile app that helps colorblind people identify colors. Read more about augmented reality mobile apps.
In the News: VI Fit Project Brings Accessible Games to Blind Wii Players
According to the VI Fit website, "Lack of physical activity is a serious health concern for individuals who are visually impaired." Nintendo now supports inclusion of accessible Tennis and Bowling games based on their Wii Sports counterparts. Read more about the VI Fit.
In the News: Mayo Clinic Explores the Virtual World of Second Life
Hospitals and medical schools are using Second Life to conduct courses, simulate doctor/patient visits, and test innovative designs for emergency rooms and medical clinics. Read more about the Mayo Clinic's use of Second Life.
In the News: EASI Archive of Section 255/508 Refresh Panel Now Available
Public comment on the US Access Board's draft Section 508 standards and Section 255 Guidelines (relating to ICT accessibility and persons with disabilities) is due by June 21. The audio, transcript, slides and resources from EASI's (Equal Access to Software and Information) Section 255/508 Refresh webinar is now available. Read more about the Section 255/508 Refresh Webinar.
In the News: The Death of the Open Web
Virginia Heffernan of the New York Times Magazine compares the Web to an overgrown city, and the app architecture of iPads and iPhones as the suburbs. What does this mean for content providers and consumers as they flee the digital metropolis? Read more about the death of the open Web.
In the News: Father Creates iPhone App for Severely Disabled Daughter
Remembering Apple's adverts that there are "apps for everything," Martin Brooks decided to put the claim to the test to meet his daughter's needs. Read more about the iPhone app.
In the News: Apple iPhone App Provides Autism Breakthrough
10-year-old Grace Domican has been unable to speak since birth due to autism. A touchscreen mobile application has provide her a voice for the first time. Read more about the Grace iPhone app for people with autism.
In the News: First Impressions of the Apple iPad from a Blind User
Terrific insights: Crista Earl, Director of Web Operations for the American Foundation for the Blind, checked out the iPad this week and wrote about her impressions on the AFB blog. Read more about the iPad.
In the News: Playing Wii Can Help Stroke Patients Recover Faster
Nintendo Wii is a gaming platform that uses a patient's physical movement to control virtual situations, and it is increasingly being studied as a therapy tool. Read more about the Wii.
In the News: Virtual Reality and Haptics for Rehabilitation
Curictus, a Swedish technology company, is creating a virtual reality product that combines the SensAble Phantom Omni with VR glasses to create a small rehabilitation system. Read more about virtual reality therapy.
In the News: Website Accessibility for the Blind Gaining Ground
Online activities that are second nature to most — making a purchase, reading a statement or simply navigating a website — can become a gargantuan effort when you can't see a screen or use a mouse. Read more about web accessibility.
In the News: Amputees Benefit from Virtual Limbs
Recent experiments suggest human-like virtual reality may be helpful for people learning how to use a prosthetic limb. Read more about virtual limbs.
In the News: Virtual Worlds for Patient Rehabilitation
Patients walk on a treadmill in front of a 180-degree panoramic image, their motion tracked by computer sensors. Read more about virtual rehabilitation.
Anikto has submitted an article and will be a guest reviewer for the upcoming journal Universal Access in the Information Society, to be published by Springer in 2011.
Anikto is a confirmed speaker in the 13th Annual Accessing Higher Ground: Accessible Media, Web and Technology Conference in Boulder, Colorado on November 15-19, 2010
Anikto welcomes your votes and comments on the SXSW Panel Picker submission titled Innovations in Accessibility: Designing for Digital Outcasts.
Anikto's article on web accessibility and the NFB v. Target Corp lawsuit is part of the collection at the Pentagon Library. Also be sure to check out a recent review of how successful Target's accessibility efforts have been.
Anikto's article Universal Life appears in the May 2010 issue of User Experience Magazine published by the Usability Professionals' Association.
Anikto's Kel Smith is one of the co-authors of the 297-page Unitech 2010 Proceedings, which is being published by Tapir Academic Press.
Anikto is looking forward to seeing friends at the Society for Disability Studies 2010 Conference from June 2-5 at Temple University's Howard Gittis Student Center in Philadelphia.
The video from Anikto's presentation at the Interaction 10 Conference in Savannah, GA is now available for viewing. View the video of the presentation.
Anikto received a brief but kind mention on the Putting People First list of daily insights on user experience, interaction design and people-centered innovation.
"Heartening to see some 'serious game' work that isn't all about military simulation" is what Harry Teasley wrote on the IEEE Spectrum technology blog about Anikto's CSUN presentation.
The slides and slide notes from Anikto's presentation at the 25th Annual International Technology & Persons with Disabilities Conference in San Diego, CA is now available for viewing. View the presentation with slide notes in multiple formats.
Anikto spoke via Skype video at the International conference on Universal Technology held at Oslo University College, Oslo, Norway during May 19-20, 2010 and hosted by the National Network for Universal ICT.
Anikto got a very nice write-up in Johnny Holland Magazine as part of their Interaction 10 Day 3 recap. Also be sure to check out the Day 1 and Day 2 recaps.
The slide deck from Anikto's presentation at the Interaction 10 Conference in Savannah, GA has been updated for CSUN 10. View the presentation with slide notes in multiple formats.
Anikto spoke at the Temple University College of Science and Technology on January 25, 2010 as part of the school's colloquia.
Anikto contibuted an article to the November 2009 issue of the E-Access Bulletin on universally designed virtual environments. Read the article at Headstar.com.
Anikto got a very nice write-up in the BBC Ouch! disability blog during the RNIB Techshare 2009 conference.
For recent articles and updates in the world of inclusive digital design, become a fan of the Anikto Facebook page.