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DTSTART:19700308T020000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20251016T135126Z
LOCATION:Grand C/D South
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251017T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251017T082000
UID:HFESAM_ASPIRE 2025_sess172_LBR127@linklings.com
SUMMARY:Understanding Orientation and Mobility Needs for People with Visio
 n Impairments: Insights for Robot Design
DESCRIPTION:Mimi Trinh, Maria Lusardi, Katherine Driggs-Campbell, and Wend
 y Rogers (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)\n\nPeople with vision i
 mpairments (PwVI) face persistent challenges in navigating unfamiliar envi
 ronments, often experiencing cognitive overload and reduced independence. 
 This may be particularly challenging for older adults due to age-related c
 ognitive changes. \nTo understand the needs of PwVI, we conducted a user n
 eeds 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 identifie
 d key user preferences and usability needs for an assistive robot.\nWe int
 erviewed 9 SMEs with experience providing support to PwVI.  The data revea
 led a strong preference for verbal guidance, simplified design, ergonomic 
 features, and integration with familiar assistive tools such as white cane
 s. The SMEs emphasized the need for safety features, such as fail-safes, u
 nobtrusive robot feedback, and weather-resistant materials. They offered s
 uggestions for feature refinement, emphasizing customization (e.g., adjust
 able speed and handle design), natural user movement, and intuitive commun
 ication (e.g., Bluetooth feedback and tactile alerts). The SMEs emphasized
  the importance of setting realistic expectations for the use of technolog
 y 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.\nThe 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 adopt
 ion. 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.\n\nTrack: General Sessions\n\n
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