With the rapid rate of advancements in navigational and object recognition
technology, many types of electronic mobility device have been developed
for the visually impaired (Roentgen et al., 2008). The devices can be categorised
into three main categories: hand-held devices that are aimed at obstacle
detection and orientation of obstacles, to ascertain a clear path (e.g. Ulrich &
Borenstein, 2001); devices that are essentially navigational systems (e.g. Katz
et al. 2012); other devices that are used to communicate direction, distance,
and/or a ‘map’ of the surroundings (e.g. Molton et al., 1998; Filipe et al., 2012).
However, most of these either remain in the prototype stage and fail to enter
the market, or are unpopular with users, largely due to the design approach
being technology-driven as opposed to user-centred. This study has investigated
the effectiveness of such devices and the needs of visually impaired
people via; a review of literature; conducting focus groups and interviews with
users; and circulating questionnaires to relevant healthcare professionals. The
study aimed to inform the development of a new device, that uses sensors and
actuators attached to headwear (see Figure 1 - note this version was originally
aimed at fire officers in smoke environments).
The findings recognised a requirement to detect and communicate physical
barriers that visually impaired people face, particularly when outdoors. User
needs varied, but commonly highlighted factors included reliability, simplicity
of use and training, cost, confidence and not masking other senses. The healthcare
professionals had a varying attitude to new technologies with many
preferring traditional solutions. They also highlighted the need to tailor any
solution to the needs of their clients. The functions, capabilities, and inherent
advantages and disadvantages of different technologies have been scrutinised
with regard to user needs and the prototype will now be developed further,
with these issues in mind.
D4H2013
technology, many types of electronic mobility device have been developed
for the visually impaired (Roentgen et al., 2008). The devices can be categorised
into three main categories: hand-held devices that are aimed at obstacle
detection and orientation of obstacles, to ascertain a clear path (e.g. Ulrich &
Borenstein, 2001); devices that are essentially navigational systems (e.g. Katz
et al. 2012); other devices that are used to communicate direction, distance,
and/or a ‘map’ of the surroundings (e.g. Molton et al., 1998; Filipe et al., 2012).
However, most of these either remain in the prototype stage and fail to enter
the market, or are unpopular with users, largely due to the design approach
being technology-driven as opposed to user-centred. This study has investigated
the effectiveness of such devices and the needs of visually impaired
people via; a review of literature; conducting focus groups and interviews with
users; and circulating questionnaires to relevant healthcare professionals. The
study aimed to inform the development of a new device, that uses sensors and
actuators attached to headwear (see Figure 1 - note this version was originally
aimed at fire officers in smoke environments).
The findings recognised a requirement to detect and communicate physical
barriers that visually impaired people face, particularly when outdoors. User
needs varied, but commonly highlighted factors included reliability, simplicity
of use and training, cost, confidence and not masking other senses. The healthcare
professionals had a varying attitude to new technologies with many
preferring traditional solutions. They also highlighted the need to tailor any
solution to the needs of their clients. The functions, capabilities, and inherent
advantages and disadvantages of different technologies have been scrutinised
with regard to user needs and the prototype will now be developed further,
with these issues in mind.
D4H2013
