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Thread: Software to simulate hand tremors?

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Number of posts in this thread: 7 (In chronological order)

From: Peter Krantz
Date: Thu, Oct 04 2007 6:20AM
Subject: Software to simulate hand tremors?
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Hi!

Does anyone know of software that simulates hand tremors? I googled
and found a lot of tools to remove hand tremors, but I want to
simulate how it feels for a user without a motor disorder.

Regards,

Peter

From: Cliff Tyllick
Date: Thu, Oct 04 2007 9:20AM
Subject: Re: Software to simulate hand tremors?
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That would be something!

If you don't find anything, I wonder if a solution might be to make the
mousepad and keyboard move erratically. Putting them on a base that is
somewhat supported by a handheld massager (engages erratically) might
come close.

Or, at least for the mouse's behavior:
--Replace the smooth ball in the mouse with a bumpy one.
--Use a mouse pad with an irregular surface.
--Both.

For a track ball, place it on a platform that vibrates up and down in
one frequency and side to side (or in an eccentric circular fashion) in
yet another. (Same platform could support a mousepad.)

I know that's a fuzzy notion, but maybe it will give you an idea that
can work.

Cliff

>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = 10/4/2007 7:14 AM >>>

Hi!

Does anyone know of software that simulates hand tremors? I googled
and found a lot of tools to remove hand tremors, but I want to
simulate how it feels for a user without a motor disorder.

Regards,

Peter

From: Patrick Lauke
Date: Thu, Oct 04 2007 9:40AM
Subject: Re: Software to simulate hand tremors?
← Previous message | Next message →

> Cliff Tyllick

> If you don't find anything, I wonder if a solution might be
> to make the
> mousepad and keyboard move erratically.

Or make them use the mouse with their other hand and increase the sensitivity to be just that shade too fast.

P

From: Gunlaug Sørtun
Date: Thu, Oct 04 2007 9:50AM
Subject: Re: Software to simulate hand tremors?
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Peter Krantz wrote:
> Does anyone know of software that simulates hand tremors? I googled
> and found a lot of tools to remove hand tremors, but I want to
> simulate how it feels for a user without a motor disorder.

How about creating a small script that moves (shakes) an entire
(test)page erratic on screen? Trying to hit a link with a mouse can then
be made as easy or hard as one may wish.
Might work as test-bed for more than just hand tremors.

Georg
--
http://www.gunlaug.no

From: Cliff Tyllick
Date: Thu, Oct 04 2007 10:00AM
Subject: Re: Software to simulate hand tremors?
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"Accessibility during earthquakes," anyone?

Gunked-up rollers on a mouse also cause erratic behavior. (For *really*
erratic behavior, clean different amounts of gunk off each roller.)

>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = 10/4/2007 10:41 AM >>>

Peter Krantz wrote:
> Does anyone know of software that simulates hand tremors? I googled
> and found a lot of tools to remove hand tremors, but I want to
> simulate how it feels for a user without a motor disorder.

How about creating a small script that moves (shakes) an entire
(test)page erratic on screen? Trying to hit a link with a mouse can
then
be made as easy or hard as one may wish.
Might work as test-bed for more than just hand tremors.

Georg
--
http://www.gunlaug.no

From: Peter Krantz
Date: Thu, Oct 04 2007 10:20AM
Subject: Re: Software to simulate hand tremors?
← Previous message | Next message →

On 10/4/07, Gunlaug Sørtun < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > wrote:
>
> How about creating a small script that moves (shakes) an entire
> (test)page erratic on screen? Trying to hit a link with a mouse can then
> be made as easy or hard as one may wish.
> Might work as test-bed for more than just hand tremors.
>

I am thinking about creating a Firefox extension if I can't find
anything. But surely, someone must have done something similar?

Regards,

Peter

From: Joshue O Connor
Date: Mon, Oct 22 2007 8:40AM
Subject: Re: Software to simulate hand tremors?
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I don't know if using software is such a hot idea at all.

> I want to
> simulate how it feels for a user without a motor disorder

Would software do this? A tremor is a kinetic thing, a result of
diminishing motor function and having the screen shake about means just
that, that it's shaking about. The user is not shaking. It would be more
logical to develop a device that flung the users arm around when they
least expect it.

It seems like a better path to try and observe a user who really does
have hand tremors, or spasms and take the experience with you. If you
visit any of your local disability services you could meet users and
this would give you first hand experience (no pun intended).

As an aside, I have worked with people who have had varying degrees of
hand tremors, some with extreme or involuntary spasms. One refused to
use AT at all and wanted to use the 'normal' mouse. An interesting
observation was that he didn't particularly see himself as having a
disability and wanted to use what he perceived as 'normal' technology.

With another user when I gave her a Penny and Giles joystick and found
it to be a revelation! She was a writer and wrote a book with one finger
(took her three years) and the P&G joystick opened up a new world.

Anyway, go for it if you think it's a good idea, thats just my two cents.

Josh

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