Developing an assistive haptic framework for improving non-visual access to the web

Abstract

With the growing focus on user-centered design by HCI researchers and practitioners, it is perhaps ironic that the visually impaired community continues to encounter challenges when interacting with the Web. Access is believed to be improved through the use of haptic technologies. However, due to the limited availability of targeted haptic design guidelines, developers could arbitrarily select and map sensations, with little consideration given as to how the sense of touch could provide assistance to a blind user. Research aims to address the limitations associated with existing assistive technologies, by developing haptic feedback which provides both spatial and navigational assistance when accessing the Internet. This research aims to culminate in a haptic framework, for designers to reference when developing accessible solutions for the Web.