Cozette Kosary, M.A., B.E.D.
UX Researcher and Strategist
Usability and Inclusive Design
Executive Summary: A Low Fidelity Prototyping Tool for Visually Impaired Users
Objective: This case study outlines the collaboration to design an accessible low-fidelity prototyping tool to aid visually impaired students in navigating academic buildings. The goal was to incorporate accessibility early in the design process for improved navigation experiences.
Role: Collaborated with blind Interaction Designer Rachel Magario, I helped develop visuals, conducted research, and iterated prototypes for accessible design tools.
Research Methods:
-
Walkthrough Analysis and Think Aloud Protocol Interviews: Gained insights into the mental models and strategies used by visually impaired students when navigating spaces.
-
Low Fidelity Prototyping: Created and refined affordable prototypes to iterate on accessible design concepts.
-
Usability Testing: Collected user feedback to further enhance the design and usability of the tool.
Deliverable: The final deliverable was the PENfriend Paper Prototype Tool, a simple, low-fidelity tool to assist visually impaired users in navigating spaces with the use of voice-activated labels.
Key Findings:
-
Diverse Navigation Strategies: Visually impaired students employ various strategies, such as reading braille, asking for directions, and tactile exploration, highlighting the need for flexible, multi-sensory solutions in navigation tools.
-
Prototyping with Cost-Effective Materials: Using low-cost materials like transparency paper and velcro-backed adhesive allowed for iterative testing and refinements without the need for expensive technology, proving that accessible design can be both affordable and functional.
-
User Feedback is Essential for Refining Usability: Early user involvement led to valuable insights, such as the need for clearer voice prompts and intuitive gestures, ensuring the final prototype was more accessible and easier to use for visually impaired students.
Prototyping & Iteration: We adapted RFID-based technology (PENfriend) into low-fidelity prototypes, refining the design through multiple iterations. The final tool used a transparency paper prototype, with a cost-effective velcro-backed system for reusable voice-activated labels.
Testing & Reflection: Early user testing led to improvements in interaction, including clearer voice prompts and intuitive gestures. The iterative process built a deeper understanding of how to integrate accessibility from the start of design.
Conclusion: The PENfriend Paper Prototype Tool proved to be a practical, low-cost solution for enhancing spatial navigation for visually impaired individuals. The project emphasized the importance of incorporating accessibility at the initial stages of design.