The Dyslexic User's Interface Support Tool (DUIST) thesis

Johnson, Mark (2007) 
The Dyslexic User's Interface Support Tool (DUIST) - a framework for performance enhancing interface adaptation strategies for dyslexic computer users. 
Doctoral thesis. The University of Northampton.

Abstract
Due to the nature of the symptoms experienced by dyslexic individuals (e.g. defective visual processing, short term memory deficit and motor control problems) an investigation into support strategies to aid persons suffering from the condition seems strongly justifiable. 

As such, an extensive review of existing support techniques for dyslexic computer users are explored leading to the formulation of four central research models; dyslexia symptoms, symptom alleviating interface strategies, adjustable interface components and a dynamically adaptable interface preference elicitation mechanism. These models provide the foundation for the design of the Dyslexic User’s Interface Support Tool (DUIST) framework.
Using a user centred design approach, the support framework is developed, tested and subsequently evaluated with positive results. Performance gains for dyslexic subjects in reading speed and reading accuracy exemplify the apparent benefits of framework utilisation (e.g. dyslexic mean reading speed increased by 4.98 wpm vs. control gains of 0.18 wpm; dyslexic mean reading errors reduced by 0.64 per 100 words vs. control reductions of 0.06 fewer errors per 100 words). 

Subsequent research into the long-term impact of framework utilisation; the perceived benefits of applying research formulated models to interfaces designed for dyslexics; and alternative strategies to portability all now seem justified. That said, the findings presented thus far warrants investigation by any reader actively interested in dyslexia; strategies for dyslexia symptom relief support environments for dyslexic computer users; applications of adaptive interfaces; and all potential system designers who may be considering developing any type of graphical interface for a dyslexic user group.

To read the thesis go to: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/2683/


All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with. Twitter: @scottturneruon

Financial solutions: University of Northampton students work on real-life industry project for Barclaycard

Taken from: http://www.northampton.ac.uk/news/barclaycard-challenge-2016/ 

Pictured left: Gherghinoiu Daniel, Hussein Ajam, Zaid Amjed Alhusainy and Rashad Salim at Barclaycard HQ. Right: Ankit Gupta, Jakub Kotlewski, Luke Kirby and Laura Gardner at Barclaycard HQ

Twenty University of Northampton computing students have just finished work on the Barclaycard Challenge; a Dragons’ Den style competition which saw the students develop prototype computer software for the financial giant.

Now in its second year, the Barclaycard Challenge offers Northampton students the chance to gain industry experience in a real business environment. On day one, the students are given a real business related problem and then asked to come up with the best possible solution in the two days available. On the second day the students present their strategy for problem resolution and their prototype software to a judging panel, featuring three senior Barclaycard managers and one University representative.

The University’s Dr Mark Johnson, Deputy Head of Computing explained: “This year, the groups were asked to investigate an alternative to the two pieces of software Barclaycard currently use for their workload management, and rework the current business model with one integrated software solution for Management Information and workflow monitoring. The students did a great job, with the wining group developing a working prototype solution in just two days.”

“The collaboration with Barclaycard really helps students to feel confident that they have the skill set needed to be successful in industry. This is especially useful for final year students currently applying for graduate positions in the computing field.”

Student Ankit Gupta enjoyed the challenge, commenting: “Thank you so much for giving me an opportunity to prepare and give a formal presentation in the corporate world. I appreciate the mentor’s help and support throughout the event. I feel very grateful to be a part of such a programme; I learned a lot and gained a very nice experience from it.”

Robin Anderson, Product Owner for Global Payment Acceptance atBarclaycard, commented: “We found each of the students to have a well-developed understanding – and complementary mix – of business drivers, commercial acumen and technical expertise that ensured everyone came away having learned something from the two day challenge, particularly the Barclaycard volunteers who offered up their time to volunteer or judge, and found in the students a refreshing aptitude for creative problem solving and lateral thinking.

Each and every group offered up a solution to the proposed challenge that both met (and exceeded) the expected outcome, the winner differentiating themselves only in the clarity and sophistication of their final presentation. It is a point of some significance that all Barclaycard colleagues involved left the office that night ‘buzzing’ with the great energy of this year’s collaboration, and all expressed a desire to support the development of our relationship with University of Northampton further.”

The University of Northampton is one of the country’s top performers for student employability. In 2015, for the third year running, the University maintained a student employability rate of 96 per cent* of students in work or further study six months after graduating. Within the Computing (Software Engineering) pathway, 22 out of 24 graduates were in full time, graduate level employment just three months after completing their course.

For further information regarding the Computing degree at the University of Northampton, click here.

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Some recent publications - Computing - University of Northampton

A selection of publications from 2015

1. Ajah, S., Al-Sherbaz, A., Turner, S. J. and Picton, P. (2015) Machine–to–machine communications energy efficiencies: the implications of different M2M communications specifications. International Journal of Wireless and Mobile Computing (IJWMC).8(1), pp. 15-26. 1741-1084.
2. Ajit, S. (2015) Student perceptions of different assessment modes in computer programming courses. Other presented to:Assessment in HE Conference, Birmingham, UK, 24-25 June 2015.
3. Ajit, S., Holmes, C., Johnson, J., Kolovos, D. S. and Paige, R. F. (2015) Model-based tool support for Tactical Data Links: an experience report from the defence domain. Software & Systems Modeling. 1619-1366. (In Press)
4. Ajit, S., Olajubu, O., Thomson, S. and Edwards, M. (2015) Model transformation of high-level requirements in a domain specific language into a formal specification language. Paper presented to: 15th International Workshop on Automated Verification of Critical Systems (AVOCS 2015), Edinburgh, 01-04 September 2015.
5. Al-Khalil, A. B., Turner, S. J. and Al-Sherbaz, A. (2015) A predefined channel coefficients library for vehicle-to-vehicle communications. In: Rak, J., Mas Machuca, C., Oki, E., Papadimitriou, D., Vinel, A. and Walkowiak, K. (eds.) Proceedings of 2015 7th International Workshop on Reliable Networks Design and Modeling (RNDM). Munich, Germany: IEEE. 9781467380508. pp. 335-340.
6. Al-Khalil, A. B., Turner, S. J. and Al-Sherbaz, A. (2015) Utilising SCM – MIMO channel model based on V-BLAST channel coding in V2V communication. In: Kassab, M., Berbineau, M., Vinel, A., Jonsson, M., Garcia, F. and Soler, J. (eds.) Communication Technologies for Vehicles: 8th International Workshop, Nets4Cars/Nets4Trains/Nets4Aircraft 2015, Sousse, Tunisia, May 6-8, 2015. Proceedings. Sousse, Tunisia: Springer International Publishing. 9783319177649. pp. 3-11.
7. Al-Sadi, A., Al-Sherbaz, A., Xue, J. and Turner, S. J. (2015) The management of the future internet. Workshop presented to: 8th Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) Postgraduate Research Conference 2015: Innovation, Manchester Metropolitan University, 05 November 2015.
8. Baalsrud-Hauge, J. M., Stanescu, I. A., Arnab, S., Ger, P. M., Lim, T., Serrano-Laguna, A., Lameras, P., Hendrix, M., Kiili, K.,Ninaus, M., de Freitas, S., Mazzetti, A., Dahlbom, A. and Degano, C. (2015) Learning through analytics architecture to scaffold learning experience through technology-based methods. International Journal of Serious Games. 2(1), pp. 29-44. 2384-8766.
9. Dravid, R., Bates, J. and Sinclair, J. M. (2015) Capturing student voice: developing a peer-to-peer forum for student engagement on transnational programmes. Paper presented to: 5th Quacquarelli Symonds Middle East and North Africa Professional Leaders in Education (QS-MAPLE) Conference and Exhibition, Doha, Qatar, 05-07 May 2015.
10. Olajubu, O., Ajit, S., Johnson, M., Turner, S. J., Thomson, S. and Edwards, M. (2015) Automated test case generation from domain specific models of high-level requirements. In: Proceedings of the 2015 Conference on Research in Adaptive and Convergent Systems. New York, NY, USA: ACM. 9781450337380. pp. 505-508.
11. Sadkhan, S., Al-Sherbaz, A. and Mohammed, R. (2015) Chaos based cryptography for voice encryption in wireless communication. In: International Conference on Electrical, Communication, Computer, Power, and Control Engineering (ICECCPCE). Iraq: IEEE. pp. 191-197.
12. Sidoumou, M. R., Turner, S. J., Picton, P., Bechkoum, K. and Benatchba, K. (2015) Multitasking in Emotion Modelling Attention Control. In: Proceedings of 6th International Conference on Affective Computing and Intelligent Interaction (ACII). Xi'an, china: IEEE. 978-1-4799-9953-8/15.
13. Turner, S. J. (2015) Enhancing computing student employability skills through partnership working in STEM outreach. Paper presented to: 11th China - Europe International Symposium on Software Engineering Education (CEISEE 2015), Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau (WHZ), Germany, 29-30 April 2015.

If you'd like to find out more about Computing at the University of Northampton go to: www.computing.northampton.ac.uk. All views and opinions are the author's and do not necessarily reflected those of any organisation they are associated with

Hot House Student Consultancy helps antiques business establish online presence

Taken from: http://www.northampton.ac.uk/news/hot-house-student-consultancy-helps-antiques-business-establish-online-presence published Tuesday 23rd September 2014

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  The University of Northampton's student consultancy service Hot House recently helped a new antiques business establish itself within the sector.
  Hot House student consultants deliver a cost effective support solution to small and medium sized businesses across the region. They provide support to clients that might otherwise be unable to access commercial consultancy services, while offering students the opportunity to engage in paid activity that directly enhances their student experience and future employability prospects.
  In 2013, Hot House was approached by a successful retired entrepreneur Rosalba Brooks to assist in a new project. Rosalba wanted to set up a new business in the antiques sector selling her vast collection and buying new commodities.
  Hot House met with Rosalba and formulated a plan to create a brand, a website and various event marketing materials for the new business: Rosalba Antiques.  The team contacted contacted Dr Mark Johnson, Deputy Head of Computing within the University's School of Science and Technology who recommended a 2nd year student named Matthew (Matty) De Cesare who had demonstrated a flare for both design and software engineering. Matty signed up to Hot House and quickly impressed the team and the client with his skills, working from brief to create a logo concept and a highly complex web site from just code. 

To read more:  http://www.northampton.ac.uk/news/hot-house-student-consultancy-helps-antiques-business-establish-online-presence

SELF SERVING SOFTWARE FOR THE FAST FOOD INDUSTRY

Kumuditha Achini Kariyawasam

As the consumers, we are expecting the best quality products and services
from the every customer focused industry and when we are considering the
fast food industry, it has not achieved the full potential of the technological development. After completing the ethnographical research, the developer has realised that the self-serving software model can only achieve the existing and upcoming challenges of this industry.

Therefore this project based on designing and developing the customer focused self-serving software model for the fast food restaurant. A Large fast food company providede the key system for the entire project and the developer mainly focused the human computer interaction techniques to enhance the usability of the developing system according to the Agile Methodology and Rapid Application Development Methods.


The final output of the project is the fully functional self-serving software model for the fast food restaurant.  The implementation of the new system development could theoretically improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the industry as well as the high standard customer satisfaction.

BSc and HND Computing Provision (click on the links below for more details of the courses)

• BSc (Hons) Computing (also available part-time)
• BSc (Hons) Computing (Computer Networks Engineering)
• BSc (Hons) Computing (Computer Systems Engineering)
• BSc (Hons) Computing (Graphics and Visualisation)
• BSc (Hons) Computing (Internet Technology and Security)
• BSc (Hons) Computing (Mobile Computing)
• BSc (Hons) Computing (Software Engineering)
• BSc (Hons) Computing - One Year Top-up
• BSc  Computer Games Development
• HNC Computing (part-time)
• HND Computing (Computer Networks Engineering)
• HND Computing (Computer Systems Engineering)
• HND Computing (Graphics and Visualisation)
• HND Computing (Internet Technology and Security)
• HND Computing (Mobile Computing)
• HND Computing (Software Engineering) 
• HND Computing
• HND Computer Games Development

The University of Northampton's, Department of Computing and Immersive Technologies offers five courses within the MSc Computing postgraduate provision (shown below) all available either part-time or full-time. 

• MSc Computing
• MSc Computing (Internet Technology and Security)
• MSc Computing (Computer Networks Engineering)
• MSc Computing (Software Engineering)
• MSc Computing (Immersive Technologies)