Presentation
Understanding Orientation and Mobility Needs for People with Vision Impairments: Insights for Robot Design
DescriptionPeople with vision impairments (PwVI) face persistent challenges in navigating unfamiliar environments, often experiencing cognitive overload and reduced independence. This may be particularly challenging for older adults due to age-related cognitive changes.
To understand the needs of PwVI, we conducted a user needs assessment with subject matter experts (SMEs). Our primary objectives were to understand challenges and strategies associated with orientation and mobility. Through a series of semi-structured interviews, we identified key user preferences and usability needs for an assistive robot.
We interviewed 9 SMEs with experience providing support to PwVI. The data revealed a strong preference for verbal guidance, simplified design, ergonomic features, and integration with familiar assistive tools such as white canes. The SMEs emphasized the need for safety features, such as fail-safes, unobtrusive robot feedback, and weather-resistant materials. They offered suggestions for feature refinement, emphasizing customization (e.g., adjustable speed and handle design), natural user movement, and intuitive communication (e.g., Bluetooth feedback and tactile alerts). The SMEs emphasized the importance of setting realistic expectations for the use of technology and robotic assistance, particularly for indoor navigation. Moreover, a critical consideration was to think of a robot as a complement to existing tools – not a replacement.
The findings support a user-centered approach to robot design and underscore the necessity of clear feedback, seamless integration with assistive technologies, and motivational factors in adoption. These insights will inform the future design of an assistive robotic guide to support orientation and mobility for PwCI and future development of inclusive navigation systems.
To understand the needs of PwVI, we conducted a user needs assessment with subject matter experts (SMEs). Our primary objectives were to understand challenges and strategies associated with orientation and mobility. Through a series of semi-structured interviews, we identified key user preferences and usability needs for an assistive robot.
We interviewed 9 SMEs with experience providing support to PwVI. The data revealed a strong preference for verbal guidance, simplified design, ergonomic features, and integration with familiar assistive tools such as white canes. The SMEs emphasized the need for safety features, such as fail-safes, unobtrusive robot feedback, and weather-resistant materials. They offered suggestions for feature refinement, emphasizing customization (e.g., adjustable speed and handle design), natural user movement, and intuitive communication (e.g., Bluetooth feedback and tactile alerts). The SMEs emphasized the importance of setting realistic expectations for the use of technology and robotic assistance, particularly for indoor navigation. Moreover, a critical consideration was to think of a robot as a complement to existing tools – not a replacement.
The findings support a user-centered approach to robot design and underscore the necessity of clear feedback, seamless integration with assistive technologies, and motivational factors in adoption. These insights will inform the future design of an assistive robotic guide to support orientation and mobility for PwCI and future development of inclusive navigation systems.
Authors
Graduate Research Assistant
Assistant Professor
Event Type
Late Breaking Results
TimeFriday, October 17th8am - 8:20am CDT
LocationGrand C/D South
General Sessions