International Community for Auditory Display

This paper describes the second phase in a project exploring the application of sonification to improve the accessibility of spreadsheets. The principal target population of the study has been visually impaired users, though the approach has potential in a range of other application areas, such as the eyes-free monitoring of large data spaces, or to preserve screen space in mobile use. The paper begins by examining previous sonification research relevant to the auditory display of spreadsheets, before briefly reviewing the results and requirements arising from the first phase of this project. Phase 2 of the project began with a more detailed requirement investigation, the results of which are outlined. In particular, the requirement for increased interactivity is examined. The way in which these requirements are realised in a further prototype are described, and the results of evaluations of this second prototype discussed.