Reshaping Inclusive Interpersonal Dynamics through Smart Glasses in Mixed-Vision Social Activities

TL;DR

This paper presents CollabLens, a smart glasses system that enhances inclusive social interactions for blind and low vision individuals in mixed-vision groups, fostering independence and connection.

Contribution

It introduces a novel smart glasses system and evaluates its impact on social dynamics and inclusion in real workshop settings.

Findings

Smart glasses expand assistive networks for BLV participants.

Sighted users see smart glasses as fostering connection.

Uncertainty exists among sighted users in helping behaviors.

Abstract

Meaningful social interaction is vital to well-being, yet Blind and Low Vision (BLV) individuals face persistent barriers when collaborating with sighted peers due to inaccessible visual cues. While most wearable assistive technologies emphasize individual tasks, smart glasses introduce opportunities for real-time, contextual support in social settings. To explore how smart glasses affect interpersonal dynamics and support inclusion in mixed-vision groups, we developed a smart glasses-based system, CollabLens, as a technology probe and employed it in four workshop sessions. We found that smart glasses can meaningfully support inclusive collaboration through expanding BLV participants' assistive networks with more flexible, independent access to visual information. While sighted participants viewed smart glasses as a promising medium that fosters interpersonal connection, they revealed uncertainty in adapting their helping behaviors. We concluded by discussing and synthesizing challenges and opportunities for designing smart glasses that provide seamless interaction experiences and enhance reciprocal mixed-vision social inclusion.