Making Mobile Map Applications Accessible for Visually Impaired People

Abstract

Mobile map applications have become a ubiquitous and important tool for navigation and exploration. However, existing map applications are heavily based on visual information, and are targeted towards persons with normal vision. Users with visual impairments face significant barriers when using these apps – currently, no major map app offers an accessible, intuitive or understandable presentation of map data in a non-visual format. The goal of this ongoing research project is to explore how mobile map application data can be displayed in an accessible and understandable way for visually impaired persons. As a first step, existing solutions were researched, identified and analysed. It was found that information retention is highest when a combination of different output modalities is used. Three major non-visual modalities were identified: Voice output (speech synthesis), ambient sounds (e.g. running water, birdsong, etc.), and vibration patterns. An initial prototype was created which combines all of these modalities, and first user tests were performed. Based on the test results, new iterations of the app are being developed. These will be tested and improved, after which a proof of concept will be developed, and ultimately a functioning app will be created and tested by target users.