%0 Journal Article
%T Comparing Interaction Techniques to Help Blind People Explore Maps on Small Tactile Devices
%A Anke M. Brock
%A Antonio Serpa
%A Bernard Oriola
%A Christophe Jouffrais
%A Mathieu Simonnet
%J -
%D 2019
%R https://doi.org/10.3390/mti3020027
%X Abstract Exploring geographic maps on touchscreens is a difficult task in the absence of vision as those devices miss tactile cues. Prior research has therefore introduced non-visual interaction techniques designed to allow visually impaired people to explore spatial configurations on tactile devices. In this paper, we present a study in which six blind and six blindfolded sighted participants evaluated three of those interaction techniques compared to a screen reader condition. We observed that techniques providing guidance result in a higher user satisfaction and more efficient exploration. Adding a grid-like structure improved the estimation of distances. None of the interaction techniques improved the reconstruction of the spatial configurations. The results of this study allow improving the design of non-visual interaction techniques that support a better exploration and memorization of maps in the absence of vision. View Full-Tex
%K interaction
%K spatial cognition
%K visual impairment
%K touchscreen
%K accessibility
%U https://www.mdpi.com/2414-4088/3/2/27