AudioDraw: user preferences in non-visual diagram drawing for touchscreens

Abstract

It can be very difficult and sometimes impossible for people who are blind to create visual diagrams on their own. Even with sighted assistance, it can be difficult to verbally convey the visual image in one's mind. We conducted a survey to determine the need of people who are blind to create their own diagrams. Based on this survey, we created a preliminary design probe app on a tablet and revised the prototype through preliminary user feedback. Then, using this second app, we conducted a design probe study with 8 participants who are visually impaired and interviewed them about the potential of using touchscreens to create diagrams. Our results show that most participants were enthusiastic about the possibility of creating their own diagrams via a touchscreen and felt that this also makes touchscreens more accessible to them, creating more inclusion for them in the use of touchscreens.