Welcome. Human Computer Interaction (HCI) researchers from the University of Texas at Austin are currently conducting a set of evaluations of ClearType™, Microsoft's font rendering technology. The aim is to investigate the role of individual differences in acuity, color perception, and certain psychological attributes on ClearType™ preference. The research team is comprised of research specialists and Ph.D. students led by Associate Professor Randolph Bias.

We are currently seeking volunteers to take the following short (ten minutes max) self-paced online evaluation. Details on the research and any questions you have about your involvement in the project are listed below in the informed consent information. By participating in our study, you will become eligible to win an iPod nano™. You may not be eligible for this drawing if you have received or plan to receive more than $450 in remuneration for participating in similar projects. If you are interested in participating, please read the information below and click on the agree button. at the bottom of this page.

Informed Consent To Participate in Research

The University of Texas at Austin

IRB# 2005-02-0085

You are being asked to participate in a research study. This form provides you with information about the study. The Principal Investigator (the person in charge of this research) or his/her representative will also describe this study to you and answer all of your questions via the contact information provided below. Please read the information below and ask questions about anything you don’t understand before deciding whether or not to take part. Your participation is entirely voluntary and you can refuse to participate without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. If you wish you may print and keep a copy of this consent form.

Title of Research Study:

Preference for ClearType®: A Large-N Study of the Role of Individual Differences

Principal Investigator(s), UT affiliation, and Telephone Number:

top

Randolph G. Bias, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
School of Information
rbias@ischool.utexas.edu
512-471-7046

Funding source:

top

Microsoft Research

What is the purpose of this study?

top

The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of two Microsoft products. The two products, Microsoft ClearType®, a font-smoothing technology, and Consolas a new Microsoft font, were designed to enhance the appearance of on-screen text. The aim is to investigate the role of individual differences in acuity and color perception on ClearType® preference.

What will be done if you take part in this research study?

top

It takes you about 10 minutes in a set of evaluation including a test of text rendering preference, a basic color sensitivity test and a few questions of your background information. If you are qualified for the follow-up study after this evaluation, we will contact you for further information about the participation of later evaluation.

What are the possible discomforts and risks?

top

There are no apparent risks in taking part in this study. T he only possible discomfort can occur from being evaluated by the software or equipment on your visual perception. We will do everything that we can to minimize this discomfort and to put you at ease. If a participant is uncomfortable at anytime, he or she is free to exit the study.

What are the possible benefits to you or to others?

top

Possible benefits to participants and others include exposure to a new technology, opportunities to influence future improvements to the technology, and the possibility of identifying improvements to personal productivity.

If you choose to take part in this study, will it cost you anything?

top

There are no costs associated with this study.

Will you receive compensation for your participation in this study?

top

All participants names will be entered into a drawing for new iPod™.

What if you are injured because of the study?

top

This study does not involve physical risk and no injuries are anticipated.

If you do not want to take part in this study, what other options are available to you?

top

Participation in this study is entirely voluntary. You are free to refuse to be in the study, and your refusal will not influence current or future relationships with The University of Texas at Austin.

How can you withdraw from this research study?

top

If you wish to stop your participation in this research study for any reason, you should contact: Randolph G. Bias, Ph.D. at 512-471-7046 or other investigators listed on the first page of this document . You are free to withdraw your consent and stop participation in this research study at any time without penalty or loss of benefits for which you may be entitled. Throughout the study, the researchers will notify you of new information that may become available and that might affect your decision to remain in the study. In addition, if you have questions about your rights as a research participant, please contact Clarke A. Burnham, Ph.D., Chair, The University of Texas at Austin Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects, 512-232-4383.

How will your privacy and the confidentiality of your research records be protected?

top

Authorized persons from The University of Texas at Austin and the Institutional Review Board have the legal right to review your research records and will protect the confidentiality of those records to the extent permitted by law. Otherwise, your research records will not be released without your consent unless required by law or a court order. If the results of this research are published or presented at scientific meetings, your identity will NOT be disclosed.

Will the researchers benefit from your participation in this study?

top

There is no benefit to researchers participating in this study beyond publishing or presenting the results

You have been informed about this study’s purpose, procedures, possible benefits and risks. You voluntarily agree to participate in this study. By clicking on the Agree button to participate the study, you are not waiving any of your legal rights. If you decide not to participate, please click the Disagree button to leave this session.

Informed Consent Agreement