Creating Usable Pin Array Tactons for Non-Visual Information

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new tactile cueing method using pin arrays to convey spatial information non-visually, demonstrating effective design, user distinguishability, and practical applications for visually impaired users.

Contribution

It presents the design and evaluation of static and dynamic pin array Tactons, showing their effectiveness in conveying directional information and enhancing non-visual interaction.

Findings

Participants accurately distinguished Tactons for eight directions.

Structured Tactons with multiple parameters conveyed more information.

Applications demonstrated practical use for visually impaired users.

Abstract

Spatial information can be difficult to present to a visually impaired computer user. In this paper we examine a new kind of tactile cueing for non-visual interaction as a potential solution, building on earlier work on vibrotactile Tactons. However, unlike vibrotactile Tactons, we use a pin array to stimulate the finger tip. Here, we describe how to design static and dynamic Tactons by defining their basic components. We then present user tests examining how easy it is to distinguish between different forms of pin array Tactons demonstrating accurate Tacton sets to represent directions. These experiments demonstrate usable patterns for static, wave and blinking pin array Tacton sets for guiding a user in one of eight directions. A study is then described that shows the benefits of structuring Tactons to convey information through multiple parameters of the signal. By using multiple independent parameters for a Tacton, this study demonstrates participants perceive more information through a single Tacton. Two applications using these Tactons are then presented: a maze exploration application and an electric circuit exploration application designed for use by and tested with visually impaired users.