Enhanced Accessibility for Mobile Indoor Navigation

TL;DR

This paper develops an accessible indoor navigation app tailored for visually impaired users, combining user insights and accessibility guidelines to create an inclusive tool that has shown positive initial usability feedback.

Contribution

It introduces a novel indoor navigation app specifically designed for visually impaired users, integrating accessibility features based on user interviews and guidelines.

Findings

Positive initial usability feedback from visually impaired users

Inclusive user interface appreciated by users

App effectively integrates various accessibility tools

Abstract

The navigation of indoor spaces poses difficult challenges for individuals with visual impairments, as it requires processing of sensory information, dealing with uncertainties, and relying on assistance. To tackle these challenges, we present an indoor navigation app that places importance on accessibility for visually impaired users. Our approach involves a combination of user interviews and an analysis of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. With this approach, we are able to gather invaluable insights and identify design requirements for the development of an indoor navigation app. Based on these insights, we develop an indoor navigation app that prioritizes accessibility, integrating enhanced features to meet the needs of visually impaired users. The usability of the app is being thoroughly evaluated through tests involving both visually impaired and sighted users. Initial feedback has been positive, with users appreciating the inclusive user interface and the usability with a wide range of accessibility tools and Android device settings.