StereoMath: An Accessible and Musical Equation Editor

TL;DR

StereoMath is a novel equation editor designed for blind and low-vision users, utilizing spatial audio cues and intuitive navigation to improve accessibility and understanding of mathematical expressions.

Contribution

It introduces a ground-up accessible equation editor that reduces cognitive load and enhances spatial understanding for BLV users, unlike traditional visual or code-based tools.

Findings

Improves accessibility for BLV users in math communication

Reduces cognitive load compared to traditional tools

Enhances spatial understanding through audio cues

Abstract

For blind and low-vision (BLV) individuals, digital math communication is uniquely difficult due to the lack of accessible tools. Currently, the state of the art is either code-based, like LaTeX, or WYSIWYG, like visual editors. However, both paradigms view math communication as primarily a visual typesetting problem, and may be accessible but difficult to use. In this paper, we present an equation editor that is built from the ground up with BLV accessibility in mind. Specifically, we notice that two of the biggest barriers with current technology are the high cognitive load and the lack of spatial relationships. Thus, we build an editor that uses spatial audio cues, muscle memory, tones, and more intuitive navigation to properly contextualize math equations. We discuss how this new paradigm can enable new levels of math communication, engagement, and literacy. Finally, we discuss natural next steps.