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Biometrics: Accessibility challenge or opportunity?

Blanco-Gonzalo, Ramon, Lunerti, Chiara, Sanchez- Reillo, Raul, Guest, Richard Michael (2018) Biometrics: Accessibility challenge or opportunity? PlosOne, 13 (3). E-ISSN 1932-6203. (doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0194111) (KAR id:66526)

Abstract

Biometric recognition is currently implemented in several authentication contexts, most recently in mobile devices where it is expected to complement or even replace traditional authentication modalities such as PIN (Personal Identification Number) or passwords. The assumed convenience characteristics of biometrics are transparency, reliability and ease of use, however, the question of whether biometric recognition is as intuitive and straightforward to use is open to debate. Can biometric systems make some tasks easier for people with accessibility concerns? To investigate this question, an accessibility evaluation of a mobile app was conducted where test subjects withdraw money from a fictitious ATM (Automated Teller Machine) scenario. The biometric authentication mechanisms used include face, voice, and fingerprint. Furthermore, we employed traditional modalities of PIN and pattern in order to check if biometric recognition is indeed a real improvement. The trial test subjects within this work were people with real-life accessibility concerns. A group of people without accessibility concerns also participated, providing a baseline performance. Experimental results are presented concerning performance, HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) and accessibility, grouped according to category of accessibility concern. Our results reveal links between individual modalities and user category establishing guidelines for future accessible biometric products.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194111
Uncontrolled keywords: biometrics, face recognition, dactyloscopy, disabilities, cell phones, apps, consumer electronics, elderly
Subjects: Q Science > QA Mathematics (inc Computing science) > QA 75 Electronic computers. Computer science
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences > School of Engineering and Digital Arts
Depositing User: Richard Guest
Date Deposited: 23 Mar 2018 14:53 UTC
Last Modified: 10 Dec 2022 07:22 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/66526 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Lunerti, Chiara.

Creator's ORCID:
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Guest, Richard Michael.

Creator's ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7535-7336
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