Empirically Evaluating the Accessibility of a PoN-Enable Feature Diagrams Notation by the Red-Green Colorblind Community

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Source of Publication

International Conference on Model-Based Software and Systems Engineering

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Abstract

In 2016, an enhanced version of a feature diagram notation developed using the Physics of Notations (PoN) framework was introduced. Empirical evidence demonstrated that this revised notation was more cognitively effective than the original. However, the new notation relies on color, specifically red, which poses accessibility challenges for individuals with red–green color vision deficiency, as they cannot perceive the notation as originally intended. Consequently, the cognitive effectiveness of a red–green–deficient (RGD) version of the new notation relative to the original notation remained unknown. Although the PoN framework specifies several principles that may be satisfied with or without the use of color, it is unclear whether the absence of color would sufficiently hinder comprehension to diminish the cognitive advantage of the PoN-enabled feature diagram notation. It was also possible that the original notation might prove more cognitively effective for users with red–green c olor blindness. To investigate this, an empirical study involving 37 Information Technology professionals was conducted to evaluate the cognitive effectiveness of the RGD version of the PoN-enabled feature diagrams notation in comparison to the original notation. The experimental data were analyzed to identify any statistically significant differences. Both quantitative and qualitative results indicate that the RGD version of the PoN-enabled notation retains its cognitive effectiveness advantage over the original notation. The findings further reveal a division among participants regarding the aesthetic appeal of the two notations. Overall, adherence to the full set of PoN principles enabled the revised notation to maintain its cognitive effectiveness superiority despite the reduced use of color.

Publisher

SCITEPRESS - Science and Technology Publications

Disciplines

Computer Sciences

Keywords

Computer science (0.66), Feature (linguistics) (0.58), Notation (0.49), Artificial intelligence (0.44), Natural language processing (0.38), Field (mathematics) (0.36), Focus (optics) (0.29), Matching (statistics) (0.29), Set (abstract data type) (0.27), Semantics (computer science) (0.25), Interpretation (philosophy) (0.25)

Indexed in Scopus

no

Open Access

yes

Open Access Type

Gold: This publication is openly available in an open access journal/series

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