Go Plus: Pioneering Accessible Campus Navigation for the Visually Impaired
Mobile Design
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UX Designer
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August 2023
Background Mission
Background Mission
Background Mission
How do visually impaired individuals interact with mobile apps effectively?
How do visually impaired individuals interact with mobile apps effectively?
How do visually impaired individuals interact with mobile apps effectively?
It seems paradoxical that a visually impaired individual would be interested in user interface and user experience design, given that these elements often serve as the primary draw or reason for using an application. This apparent contradiction, however, raises a fascinating question: How can someone who is visually impaired effectively use an application? This query has driven the need for research into the user experience and interface design of applications.
It seems paradoxical that a visually impaired individual would be interested in user interface and user experience design, given that these elements often serve as the primary draw or reason for using an application. This apparent contradiction, however, raises a fascinating question: How can someone who is visually impaired effectively use an application? This query has driven the need for research into the user experience and interface design of applications.
It seems paradoxical that a visually impaired individual would be interested in user interface and user experience design, given that these elements often serve as the primary draw or reason for using an application. This apparent contradiction, however, raises a fascinating question: How can someone who is visually impaired effectively use an application? This query has driven the need for research into the user experience and interface design of applications.
Project Objective
Project Objective
Project Objective
So, how do people who can't see very well use apps? It seems strange, right? After all, the way an app looks and feels is a big part of why we like it. But this makes us wonder: How can we design apps that work for everyone, even those who can't see well? That's why we need to study how people use apps and what makes a good app experience.
Beyond that, I have two main goals for this research:
So, how do people who can't see very well use apps? It seems strange, right? After all, the way an app looks and feels is a big part of why we like it. But this makes us wonder: How can we design apps that work for everyone, even those who can't see well? That's why we need to study how people use apps and what makes a good app experience.
Beyond that, I have two main goals for this research:
So, how do people who can't see very well use apps? It seems strange, right? After all, the way an app looks and feels is a big part of why we like it. But this makes us wonder: How can we design apps that work for everyone, even those who can't see well? That's why we need to study how people use apps and what makes a good app experience.
Beyond that, I have two main goals for this research:
Effectiveness of Design Thinking: I want to determine whether the design thinking approach is effective in identifying the specific challenges faced by visually impaired individuals and in developing solutions that address their needs.
Promoting Equity: I aim to contribute to a more equitable digital landscape by highlighting the importance of inclusive design. Many apps are not accessible to visually impaired users, limiting their ability to fully participate in digital activities. By understanding their needs and advocating for inclusive design practices, we can help create a more equitable future for all.
Effectiveness of Design Thinking: I want to determine whether the design thinking approach is effective in identifying the specific challenges faced by visually impaired individuals and in developing solutions that address their needs.
Promoting Equity: I aim to contribute to a more equitable digital landscape by highlighting the importance of inclusive design. Many apps are not accessible to visually impaired users, limiting their ability to fully participate in digital activities. By understanding their needs and advocating for inclusive design practices, we can help create a more equitable future for all.
Effectiveness of Design Thinking: I want to determine whether the design thinking approach is effective in identifying the specific challenges faced by visually impaired individuals and in developing solutions that address their needs.
Promoting Equity: I aim to contribute to a more equitable digital landscape by highlighting the importance of inclusive design. Many apps are not accessible to visually impaired users, limiting their ability to fully participate in digital activities. By understanding their needs and advocating for inclusive design practices, we can help create a more equitable future for all.
Project Research
Project Research
Project Research
We want to make sure that everyone, including people who can't see well, can use apps easily. We'll learn about their needs and challenges, then come up with ideas for better app designs. Our goal is to make apps fair for everyone, so that no one is left out.
We want to make sure that everyone, including people who can't see well, can use apps easily. We'll learn about their needs and challenges, then come up with ideas for better app designs. Our goal is to make apps fair for everyone, so that no one is left out.
We want to make sure that everyone, including people who can't see well, can use apps easily. We'll learn about their needs and challenges, then come up with ideas for better app designs. Our goal is to make apps fair for everyone, so that no one is left out.
How is The Research Being Conducted?
How is The Research Being Conducted?
How is The Research Being Conducted?
This research employs two primary methods. Firstly, we conducted online conferences. We collaborated with "Komunitas Mata Hati," a disability community in Surabaya, to facilitate connections between myself and visually impaired individuals. These online conferences aimed to gather general insights into how they utilize commonly used applications.
This research employs two primary methods. Firstly, we conducted online conferences. We collaborated with "Komunitas Mata Hati," a disability community in Surabaya, to facilitate connections between myself and visually impaired individuals. These online conferences aimed to gather general insights into how they utilize commonly used applications.
This research employs two primary methods. Firstly, we conducted online conferences. We collaborated with "Komunitas Mata Hati," a disability community in Surabaya, to facilitate connections between myself and visually impaired individuals. These online conferences aimed to gather general insights into how they utilize commonly used applications.
The second method involves visiting the Social Services Department to conduct interviews. These interviews aim to identify more specific application-related challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments. This phase of the research also involves collaboration with the same community as the previous method.
The second method involves visiting the Social Services Department to conduct interviews. These interviews aim to identify more specific application-related challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments. This phase of the research also involves collaboration with the same community as the previous method.
The second method involves visiting the Social Services Department to conduct interviews. These interviews aim to identify more specific application-related challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments. This phase of the research also involves collaboration with the same community as the previous method.
Get To Know The Latest Application
Get To Know The Latest Application
Get To Know The Latest Application
Sullivan+
Sullivan+
Sullivan+
Sullivan+ is an app that uses artificial intelligence to help people with visual impairments. It can identify objects in photos, recognize faces, and read text aloud. This means that users can take a picture of something and the app will describe it to them.
Sullivan+ is an app that uses artificial intelligence to help people with visual impairments. It can identify objects in photos, recognize faces, and read text aloud. This means that users can take a picture of something and the app will describe it to them.
Sullivan+ is an app that uses artificial intelligence to help people with visual impairments. It can identify objects in photos, recognize faces, and read text aloud. This means that users can take a picture of something and the app will describe it to them.
Supersense
Supersense
Supersense
Supersense is another app that can help people with visual impairments. It works by reading text aloud. This means that users can have the app read text from document.
Supersense is another app that can help people with visual impairments. It works by reading text aloud. This means that users can have the app read text from document.
Supersense is another app that can help people with visual impairments. It works by reading text aloud. This means that users can have the app read text from document.
This 2 application didn't have offline mode
This 2 application didn't have offline mode
This 2 application didn't have offline mode
Despite the many positive aspects of these two applications, they share a common drawback: both can be disrupted by poor signal strength. If the user experiences weak connectivity, the application may fail to process actions until a stronger signal is found.
Despite the many positive aspects of these two applications, they share a common drawback: both can be disrupted by poor signal strength. If the user experiences weak connectivity, the application may fail to process actions until a stronger signal is found.
Despite the many positive aspects of these two applications, they share a common drawback: both can be disrupted by poor signal strength. If the user experiences weak connectivity, the application may fail to process actions until a stronger signal is found.
Identifying Common Application
Identifying Common Application
Identifying Common Application
Even though there are applications specifically designed for visually impaired individuals, they often rely on the same applications as the rest of us. However, their use heavily depends on the effectiveness of text-to-speech features, and some applications don't fully optimize this crucial function.
Even though there are applications specifically designed for visually impaired individuals, they often rely on the same applications as the rest of us. However, their use heavily depends on the effectiveness of text-to-speech features, and some applications don't fully optimize this crucial function.
Even though there are applications specifically designed for visually impaired individuals, they often rely on the same applications as the rest of us. However, their use heavily depends on the effectiveness of text-to-speech features, and some applications don't fully optimize this crucial function.
Famous? They really can't used it.
Famous? They really can't used it.
Famous? They really can't used it.
You're likely familiar with this famous application, perhaps even have it installed. However, visually impaired individuals cannot easily use it. This is because the application icon lacks the text-to-speech functionality they typically rely on. To access this information, they would need their phone to assist them, as with other applications.
You're likely familiar with this famous application, perhaps even have it installed. However, visually impaired individuals cannot easily use it. This is because the application icon lacks the text-to-speech functionality they typically rely on. To access this information, they would need their phone to assist them, as with other applications.
You're likely familiar with this famous application, perhaps even have it installed. However, visually impaired individuals cannot easily use it. This is because the application icon lacks the text-to-speech functionality they typically rely on. To access this information, they would need their phone to assist them, as with other applications.
Aesthetic? No, we just want to use it.
Aesthetic? No, we just want to use it.
Aesthetic? No, we just want to use it.
This application's design isn't as visually appealing as the top-rated ones. It might seem like it's intended for older users who primarily need to conduct transactions. You're also aware that this bank offers another application specifically designed for younger generations. However, for visually impaired users, a visually stunning interface isn't the priority. They primarily need robust text-to-speech functionality, and this application excels in that area.
This application's design isn't as visually appealing as the top-rated ones. It might seem like it's intended for older users who primarily need to conduct transactions. You're also aware that this bank offers another application specifically designed for younger generations. However, for visually impaired users, a visually stunning interface isn't the priority. They primarily need robust text-to-speech functionality, and this application excels in that area.
This application's design isn't as visually appealing as the top-rated ones. It might seem like it's intended for older users who primarily need to conduct transactions. You're also aware that this bank offers another application specifically designed for younger generations. However, for visually impaired users, a visually stunning interface isn't the priority. They primarily need robust text-to-speech functionality, and this application excels in that area.
The Data That I Finally Got
The Data That I Finally Got
The Data That I Finally Got
The research process has now concluded. I intend to compile all the data collected throughout the research, beginning with the user personas developed from the final round of interviews.
The research process has now concluded. I intend to compile all the data collected throughout the research, beginning with the user personas developed from the final round of interviews.
The research process has now concluded. I intend to compile all the data collected throughout the research, beginning with the user personas developed from the final round of interviews.
Returning to the second research objective, which aimed to determine how to address the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals, I intend to create an application that also promotes equity. This application will be designed for use by all users who require it. So for that case, I will also created user persona for target users.
Returning to the second research objective, which aimed to determine how to address the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals, I intend to create an application that also promotes equity. This application will be designed for use by all users who require it. So for that case, I will also created user persona for target users.
Returning to the second research objective, which aimed to determine how to address the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals, I intend to create an application that also promotes equity. This application will be designed for use by all users who require it. So for that case, I will also created user persona for target users.
Design Process
Design Process
Design Process
Given that the target users of the application are visually impaired individuals, we need to prioritize user experience (UX) more heavily than user interface (UI). Based on the expectations and pain points identified in the previous step, I would like to define some features using the 'How Might We' method.
Given that the target users of the application are visually impaired individuals, we need to prioritize user experience (UX) more heavily than user interface (UI). Based on the expectations and pain points identified in the previous step, I would like to define some features using the 'How Might We' method.
Given that the target users of the application are visually impaired individuals, we need to prioritize user experience (UX) more heavily than user interface (UI). Based on the expectations and pain points identified in the previous step, I would like to define some features using the 'How Might We' method.
From the three different 'How Might We' questions, I have identified numerous variant features and am attempting to brainstorm them using a prioritization mapping technique often referred to as 'How, Wow, Now'.
From the three different 'How Might We' questions, I have identified numerous variant features and am attempting to brainstorm them using a prioritization mapping technique often referred to as 'How, Wow, Now'.
From the three different 'How Might We' questions, I have identified numerous variant features and am attempting to brainstorm them using a prioritization mapping technique often referred to as 'How, Wow, Now'.
To generate all of the application flows, I decided to create user flows to help visualize where the features will be placed. For a specific user journey, this is the route of all.
To generate all of the application flows, I decided to create user flows to help visualize where the features will be placed. For a specific user journey, this is the route of all.
To generate all of the application flows, I decided to create user flows to help visualize where the features will be placed. For a specific user journey, this is the route of all.
To realize the flow and plan, I decided to create wireframes to help me decide which features I want to implement on each page.
To realize the flow and plan, I decided to create wireframes to help me decide which features I want to implement on each page.
To realize the flow and plan, I decided to create wireframes to help me decide which features I want to implement on each page.
Design Result
Design Result
Design Result
Finally, the time you've been waiting for has arrived. The explanation of each application feature will be based on its key features.
Finally, the time you've been waiting for has arrived. The explanation of each application feature will be based on its key features.
Finally, the time you've been waiting for has arrived. The explanation of each application feature will be based on its key features.
Object Detection
Object Detection
Object Detection
Inspired by smart sticks used by visually impaired individuals to detect obstacles, I propose an object detector that leverages mobile applications and artificial intelligence. This solution aims to address the challenges faced by solo travelers by proactively identifying and mitigating potential problems encountered during their journeys.
Inspired by smart sticks used by visually impaired individuals to detect obstacles, I propose an object detector that leverages mobile applications and artificial intelligence. This solution aims to address the challenges faced by solo travelers by proactively identifying and mitigating potential problems encountered during their journeys.
Inspired by smart sticks used by visually impaired individuals to detect obstacles, I propose an object detector that leverages mobile applications and artificial intelligence. This solution aims to address the challenges faced by solo travelers by proactively identifying and mitigating potential problems encountered during their journeys.
Special Reminder Add On
Special Reminder Add On
Special Reminder Add On
This feature is optimized for visually impaired individuals who need to create urgent reminders for specific locations. The input fields within this feature are fully optimized for accessibility, making it significantly easier for them to set reminders without the challenges posed by traditional calendar views.
This feature is optimized for visually impaired individuals who need to create urgent reminders for specific locations. The input fields within this feature are fully optimized for accessibility, making it significantly easier for them to set reminders without the challenges posed by traditional calendar views.
This feature is optimized for visually impaired individuals who need to create urgent reminders for specific locations. The input fields within this feature are fully optimized for accessibility, making it significantly easier for them to set reminders without the challenges posed by traditional calendar views.
Optimizing Homescreen
Optimizing Homescreen
Optimizing Homescreen
The home screen is fully optimized for accessibility, benefiting both users with normal and impaired vision. The home screen components are designed to assist users in navigating to desired locations. A prominent text field at the top allows users to enter their destination, while the application intelligently suggests nearby locations based on the user's current location. This approach draws inspiration from leading wayfinding applications such as Google Maps and Waze, which have become integral to our daily lives.
The home screen is fully optimized for accessibility, benefiting both users with normal and impaired vision. The home screen components are designed to assist users in navigating to desired locations. A prominent text field at the top allows users to enter their destination, while the application intelligently suggests nearby locations based on the user's current location. This approach draws inspiration from leading wayfinding applications such as Google Maps and Waze, which have become integral to our daily lives.
The home screen is fully optimized for accessibility, benefiting both users with normal and impaired vision. The home screen components are designed to assist users in navigating to desired locations. A prominent text field at the top allows users to enter their destination, while the application intelligently suggests nearby locations based on the user's current location. This approach draws inspiration from leading wayfinding applications such as Google Maps and Waze, which have become integral to our daily lives.
Design Testing
Design Testing
Design Testing
Goals: Through this process, I would like to identify the problems users encounter throughout their app experience, from account creation and place search to navigation and viewing their history of visited places.
Goals: Through this process, I would like to identify the problems users encounter throughout their app experience, from account creation and place search to navigation and viewing their history of visited places.
Goals: Through this process, I would like to identify the problems users encounter throughout their app experience, from account creation and place search to navigation and viewing their history of visited places.
Plan: Usability testing for this application will be conducted at the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology in Surabaya. Six visually impaired individuals will participate in the testing process. Moderated usability testing will be employed to ensure that the user experience is thoroughly evaluated.
Plan: Usability testing for this application will be conducted at the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology in Surabaya. Six visually impaired individuals will participate in the testing process. Moderated usability testing will be employed to ensure that the user experience is thoroughly evaluated.
Plan: Usability testing for this application will be conducted at the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology in Surabaya. Six visually impaired individuals will participate in the testing process. Moderated usability testing will be employed to ensure that the user experience is thoroughly evaluated.
System Usability Scale
System Usability Scale
72.5
Single Ease Question
Single Ease Question
6.5
Problem That We Found:
Almost 5 out of 6 visually impaired individuals reported that the screen reader and object detection features both emitted sounds simultaneously while navigating. This simultaneous audio output from the same source often confused users. It is recommended to provide an option to deactivate one of these audio features to enhance user experience.
Almost all respondents indicated that the object detector requires a reduction in response delay.
Problem That We Found:
Almost 5 out of 6 visually impaired individuals reported that the screen reader and object detection features both emitted sounds simultaneously while navigating. This simultaneous audio output from the same source often confused users. It is recommended to provide an option to deactivate one of these audio features to enhance user experience.
Almost all respondents indicated that the object detector requires a reduction in response delay.
Problem That We Found:
Almost 5 out of 6 visually impaired individuals reported that the screen reader and object detection features both emitted sounds simultaneously while navigating. This simultaneous audio output from the same source often confused users. It is recommended to provide an option to deactivate one of these audio features to enhance user experience.
Almost all respondents indicated that the object detector requires a reduction in response delay.
Summary
Summary
Summary
Based on usability testing conducted using two parameters – the System Usability Scale (SUS) and a single ease question – the results demonstrate that the design process successfully addressed accessibility challenges and effectively met user needs. The majority of users were able to successfully complete the assigned tasks, indicating a high level of user satisfaction.
Based on usability testing conducted using two parameters – the System Usability Scale (SUS) and a single ease question – the results demonstrate that the design process successfully addressed accessibility challenges and effectively met user needs. The majority of users were able to successfully complete the assigned tasks, indicating a high level of user satisfaction.
Based on usability testing conducted using two parameters – the System Usability Scale (SUS) and a single ease question – the results demonstrate that the design process successfully addressed accessibility challenges and effectively met user needs. The majority of users were able to successfully complete the assigned tasks, indicating a high level of user satisfaction.
Tracking back to the research goals, the successful results obtained using two evaluation parameters (System Usability Scale and single ease question) demonstrate the effectiveness of the design thinking approach in addressing the accessibility needs of visually impaired individuals. Furthermore, to promote equity, the application was also tested with users with normal vision, resulting in high levels of satisfaction with a 6.5 score on the single ease question and an 82.5 score on the System Usability Scale. These results successfully fulfil the second research goal.
Tracking back to the research goals, the successful results obtained using two evaluation parameters (System Usability Scale and single ease question) demonstrate the effectiveness of the design thinking approach in addressing the accessibility needs of visually impaired individuals. Furthermore, to promote equity, the application was also tested with users with normal vision, resulting in high levels of satisfaction with a 6.5 score on the single ease question and an 82.5 score on the System Usability Scale. These results successfully fulfil the second research goal.
Tracking back to the research goals, the successful results obtained using two evaluation parameters (System Usability Scale and single ease question) demonstrate the effectiveness of the design thinking approach in addressing the accessibility needs of visually impaired individuals. Furthermore, to promote equity, the application was also tested with users with normal vision, resulting in high levels of satisfaction with a 6.5 score on the single ease question and an 82.5 score on the System Usability Scale. These results successfully fulfil the second research goal.
Reflection
Reflection
Reflection
A significant gap exists between the planned user interface and the implemented release. This discrepancy stems from the developers' inability to effectively decouple the maps navigation API from their design decisions. Consequently, the application's design inadvertently mirrors the design of the underlying maps API, resulting in a user experience that closely resembles other map applications.
A significant gap exists between the planned user interface and the implemented release. This discrepancy stems from the developers' inability to effectively decouple the maps navigation API from their design decisions. Consequently, the application's design inadvertently mirrors the design of the underlying maps API, resulting in a user experience that closely resembles other map applications.
A significant gap exists between the planned user interface and the implemented release. This discrepancy stems from the developers' inability to effectively decouple the maps navigation API from their design decisions. Consequently, the application's design inadvertently mirrors the design of the underlying maps API, resulting in a user experience that closely resembles other map applications.
Since this research focused on visually impaired individuals, I had to wait for the full application development. This was due to the limitations of Maze, the user interface design testing platform, which currently does not offer any specific testing modes for visually impaired individuals, such as simulating screen reader interactions.
Since this research focused on visually impaired individuals, I had to wait for the full application development. This was due to the limitations of Maze, the user interface design testing platform, which currently does not offer any specific testing modes for visually impaired individuals, such as simulating screen reader interactions.
Since this research focused on visually impaired individuals, I had to wait for the full application development. This was due to the limitations of Maze, the user interface design testing platform, which currently does not offer any specific testing modes for visually impaired individuals, such as simulating screen reader interactions.
Next Shot
Next Shot
Next Shot
I need to find an alternative maps API that solely focuses on navigation functionality to proceed with testing based on the planned design.
I need to explore alternative object detector APIs to optimize this feature, as almost all respondents reported experiencing delays in its current implementation.
I need to identify an alternative testing method that allows me to evaluate the planned design without relying on the fully released application.
I need to find an alternative maps API that solely focuses on navigation functionality to proceed with testing based on the planned design.
I need to explore alternative object detector APIs to optimize this feature, as almost all respondents reported experiencing delays in its current implementation.
I need to identify an alternative testing method that allows me to evaluate the planned design without relying on the fully released application.
I need to find an alternative maps API that solely focuses on navigation functionality to proceed with testing based on the planned design.
I need to explore alternative object detector APIs to optimize this feature, as almost all respondents reported experiencing delays in its current implementation.
I need to identify an alternative testing method that allows me to evaluate the planned design without relying on the fully released application.
Another Design Shot
Another Design Shot
Another Design Shot
