Presentation of spatial information in navigation aids for the visually impaired
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present some guidelines on how different means of information presentation can be used when conveying spatial information non-visually. The aim is to further the understanding of the qualities navigation aids for visually impaired individuals should possess.
Design/methodology/approach
A background in non-visual spatial perception is provided, and existing commercial and non-commercial navigation aids are examined from a user interaction perspective, based on how individuals with a visual impairment perceive and understand space.
Findings
The discussions on non-visual spatial perception and navigation aids lead to some user interaction design suggestions.
Originality/value
This paper examines navigation aids from the perspective of non-visual spatial perception. The presented design suggestions can serve as basic guidelines for the design of such solutions.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by Centrum för medicinsk teknik och fysik (CMTF) at Umeå University and Luleå University of Technology – both in Sweden – and by the European Union Objective 2 North Sweden structural fund.
Citation
Innala Ahlmark, D. and Hyyppä, K. (2015), "Presentation of spatial information in navigation aids for the visually impaired", Journal of Assistive Technologies, Vol. 9 No. 3, pp. 174-181. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAT-10-2014-0025
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited