  This research investigates the variety and complexity of situational
impairment events (SIE) that are being experienced by users of smartphone
technology of all abilities. The authors have created a classification system
to help describe the different types of SIE as well as differentiate a certain
subgroup of events that were identified as severely constraining. Continuing
research examined workarounds that users deploy when attempting to complete a
mobile I/O transaction in the presence of an SIE, as well as social/cultural
barriers to attempting mobile interaction that users recognize but do not
always follow. The ultimate goal of this research arc would be the creation of
guidelines to assist mobile designers and researchers in the accounting of SIE
and perhaps different design considerations for those events deemed severely
constraining.
