Maavis is a wonderful project to work on as it weaves together many of the threads I am particularly interested in. Whilst obviously addressing age related exclusion from IT and the web by providing a simple UI while using excellent Mozilla technology, it has applications for people with learning difficulties, physical and multiple disabilities, symbol and AAC users and even children and education. It was also a fantastic opportunity to work with a team pioneering EAT development at a leading UK University.
The ACT programme team at Sheffield University made the admirable choice to free the IP and release it on a GPL licence. Perhaps made easier as the programme was not a paper generating exercise more typical of many University projects, never-the-less it is to be applauded as an important condition of the partial EU funding was to generate local jobs and income. While monetising Open Source requires a little more effort and creativity than the more common charging for restricted rights to use software, the team are very much aware how useful Maavis can be to under represented user group and how collaborative development offers a route to the most effective solution.
The team are waiting to hear if further funding applications are successful while looking for other possibilities as they are keen to develop Maavis into a easy to use and effect way to access media and communications. While the choice of the GPL means it can live on as an Open Source project, it would be greatly diminished without the leadership and direct access to the knowledge and experience that Peter Cudd and others have accrued, especially while researching and trialling prototypes. Maavis needs to be user focused and not technology led in order to reach its is greatest possible effectiveness.
I'd like to see Maavis develop into the project it clearly has the potential to be and being used by the many who are intimidated by complex technology and User Interfaces, even when they are as well thought out as say Firefox. We have reached a period in history when [in the rich western world] the over 65 population exceeds the under 16s, so we should be providing tools thay they want and that address their needs. Maavis is part of that.
In the next post or so I'll explain some of the design and technical choices behind Maavis and recount some of issues that were experienced during development using Mozilla and integrating with VLC and Skype.
Keywords: Accessibility, Ageing, Assistive Technology, Maavis