subtypeOf Object
Interface adapted to meet the needs of users.
HCIO-ON AUI System Ontology
Age refers to the chronological age of the user (Morris; Venkatesh, 2000)
"Cognitive, learning, and neurological disabilities involve neurodiversity and neurological disorders, as well as behavioral and mental health disorders that are not necessarily neurological. They may affect any part of the nervous system and impact how well people hear, move, see, speak, and understand information. Cognitive, learning, and neurological disabilities do not necessarily affect the intelligence of a person." https://www.w3.org/WAI/people-use-web/abilities-barriers/#cognitive
This mode adapts the interface to larger screens, optimizing the layout. @E.g., resizable windows, expandable menus and keyboard shortcuts, ideal for computers and notebooks.
Disability refers to disabilities that result from illness and injury, including physical, mental or emotional limitations or difficulties that a person has as a result of these disabilities (Altman, 2014)
User education issues, including for example university diplomas. (GOLEMATI, et al., 2007)
Experience Level refers to the user’s familiarity with and knowledge of a system or technology (Tomasi; Schuff; Turetken, 2018) Level of user experience in relation to technologies, subdivided into: - Basic Experience; - Average Experience; - High Experience.
User gender.
Facilitate the pronunciation and interpretation of abbreviations or text in a foreign language. Language tagging allows search engines to search for and identify documents in a given language, and is also an important aid for assistive technologies. (KULPA, 2009)
subtypeOf Quality Universal
Quality Universal in UFO that allows the assignment of values according to a quality structure, such as Age, Education Level, and Experience Level.
This mode adapts the interface to mobile devices, with a responsive layout and touch-optimized navigation. @E.g., larger buttons, simplified menus, and swipe gestures are ideal for smartphones and tablets.
subtypeOf Mode
Instance of a Nominal User Profile Element Type that characterizes a particular User. For example, Alex’s Gender is male and Language is English.
subtypeOf Person
A Person who interacts with (or is expected to interact with) an Interactive Computer System. E.g., a person who uses a home banking system, smart watch or smart mobile phone.
All components of an interactive system (software or hardware) that provide information and controls for the user to accomplish specific tasks with the interactive system. E.g., mouse, keyboard, monitor, sensors and the software that handle them.
HCIO Interactive Computer System Sub-Ontology
subtypeOf Disposition
Mode Universal in UFO that classifies possible interface adaptations. Refers to the customizations (i.e., adaptations) that must be made to the system interface for a given user, based on information from the Context of Use (environment, device, situation, etc) and the User Profile (skills, limitations, etc).
Formal indication of how the User Interface should be customized to better suit a specific User, based on the values of one or more User Profile Elements. These recommendations are defined through rules derived from WCAG guidelines and represented in the AUISO ontology. E.g., if the User has Low Vision, the recommendation may include increasing font size and contrast.
subtypeOf Intrinsic Moment Universal
A type of intrinsic characteristic that describes aspects of a user. It can be a Nominal User Profile Element Type (e.g., gender, language, disability) or a Measurable User Profile Element Type (e.g., age, education level, experience level).
subtypeOf Quale
User Profile Element Value refers to the value of a Measurable User Profile Element Type that characterizes a particular User. An Quale is the specific value that a quality assumes in an individual. E.g., the exact shade of red of a particular apple or the temperature “36.5°C" of a person.
Vision Disability refers to the impairments, limitations, and restrictions that a person with an eye condition faces, encompassing a range of visual impair- ments that affect the visual system and its functions, including difficulty seeing clearly, recognizing faces, or navigating environments (WHO, 2019)
This mode offers a standard-feature interface and moderate navigation. @E.g., full menus, basic shortcuts, and limited customization for users with regular technology use.
This mode simplifies the interface with minimalist layouts and essential features, making it easier for novice users to navigate. @E.g., reduced menus, larger icons, and step-by-step guidance for users with less technological familiarity.
Some people need high contrast between text and background, including many older people who lose contrast sensitivity from ageing. Some read better with dark text on light background. W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), 2025.
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability of neurobiological and developmental origin that impairs an individual’s ability to acquire accurate and fluent reading skills, as well as spelling development (Roitsch; Watson, 2019).
Font Mode adapts font size, type, and color to improve readability and accessibility of the interface. @E.g., Larger font for low vision, sans-serif for dyslexia, high contrast for color blindness.
This mode provides an advanced interface with complex features. @E.g., advanced shortcuts and detailed settings for highly tech-savvy users.
Low Vision is defined as a condition of vision loss that cannot be corrected by glasses, contact lenses, surgeries or medical treatments, refers to a visual limitation that affects the ability to perform daily activities, even with the help of optical aids (WHO, 2019). Low Vision can be classified into Re- duced Vision, Light Sensitivity, Visual Acuity, and Contrast Sensitivity.
This mode adapts the interface to improve readability by adjusting spacing, alignment, and highlighting important text elements. @E.g., Increased line spacing, text justification, highlighting links with contrasting colors or underlining to make them easier to read.
This mode uses assistive technologies to transform visual content into audio or braille. @e.g., Text to Speech, which converts text to audio; Keyboard Navigation, which allows mouse-free interaction; and Visual Description, which provides context about images and icons.
This mode allows you to interact with the interface using voice commands. @E.g., open applications, navigate between menus or dictate texts using only your voice.