Utilizing a universal design (UD) approach from the beginning of design process, the EZ Ballot (see Figure 1) was developed [8] for the Windows Surface tablet. Design decisions based on the UD Principles [3] are described below.
Principle 1. Equitable Use
The design goal is one ballot for sighted and non-sighted voters rather than accessible design for visually impaired voters. Universally designed ballot interface can reduce the problem of setting up special machine for average poll workers and people with disabilities do not have to wait in line to use the only one accessible voting machine in polling place. Finally, the universal ballot system can avoid any stigmatization.
Principle 2. Flexibility in Use
Ballot I/O features including buttons, touch inputs, speech inputs, which designed specifically to accommodate visually impaired voters that are most likely to be adversely affected by ballot design. The prototypes of the physical tactile buttons are two conductive rubber buttons covered with aluminum metal. The ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ physical tactile buttons and touch screen buttons are placed on each side of the screen where the tablet is typically held (see Figure 1). The speech inputs allow voters to answer either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ verbally. This input also ensures privacy as others do not know the specific candidate that is being selected (i.e., any audio output is provided through headphones).
Principle 3. Simple and Intuitive Use
EZ Ballot has a simple and linear structure that allows users to follow a particular sequence of steps so that users can easily stay focused. Studies [2, 12] have suggested a linear structure rather than a hierarchical