Research Projects - Jeffrey P. Bigham

I tend to be the most productive when I'm exploring multiple interests. Fortunately, I've been able to actively collaborate with a number of professors, grads, and undergrads both inside and outside of my department to help satisfy my varied interests. Below are the main projects on which I've worked during my time at the Unviersity of Washington.

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WebInSight (current)

The goal of the WebInSight Project is to increase web accessibility for blind users. Our sub-projects include the following:

• WebInSight for Images - automatically determining alternative text for many web images.
• Accessmonkey - bringing power to the people through scripting accessibiliy.
• WebAnywhere - a self-voicing, web-based screen reader that can be used on pretty much any computer: no existing screen reader required.
• WebinSitu - studies seeking a better understanding of how blind people use the web and the challenges that they face.

Transcendence (current)

Developing tools that will provide web users with easier, more-flexible access to deep web resources. Addressing questions such as: Why can't I ask IMDB for the average movie rating? Why can't I search the Seattle Public Library collection using the interface I already know how to use for accessing UW's library?

TrailBlazer (current)

Developing programming-by-demonstration interfaces to the web that target non-visual use.

ASL-STEM Forum (current)

Creating an online home for the bottom-up development of sign language targeting STEM topics.

ClassInFocus (current)

Improving the in class learning environment for deaf and hard of hearing students with tools facilitating full access to the classroom.

Slide Rule (current)

Exploring accessible one- and multi-finger interaction design for mobile and kiosk touch surfaces for visually impaired users and users without resources for visual attention.

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KnowItAll (2004-2005)

As part of the KnowItAll project, I explored techniques for extracting factual information from unstructured web text. KnowItAll has become part of the Turing Center headquartered in CSE.

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