Accessible Maps for the Blind

Visualizing for the Non‐Visual: Enabling the Visually Impaired to Use Visualization

“…While the original data physicalization manifesto does not consider accessibility as one of its corner stones, it certainly has potential for improving the inclusiveness of the visualization field. For example, Kane and Bigham present work on supporting visually impaired and blind students through 3D-printed tangible maps [KB14], and Holloway et al [HMB18] suggested replacing tactile maps with 3D models for the blind.…”

"Hey Model!" – Natural User Interactions and Agency in Accessible Interactive 3D Models

“…Accessible Graphics & 3D Models: The prevalent methods to produce tactile accessible graphics include using braille embossers, printing onto micro-capsule swell paper, or using thermoform moulds [40]. Their main limitation is that they cannot appropriately convey height or depth [21], restricting the types of graphics that can be produced to those that are largely flat and two-dimensional in nature.…”

“…As a consequence, handmade models are sometimes used in STEM education and other disciplines that rely on concepts and information that is more three-dimensional in nature. However, while they are uncommon due to difficulties in production and the costs involved [21], commodity 3D printing has seen the cost and effort required to produce 3D models fall in line with tactile graphics. 3D printing has been used to create accessible models in many contexts: resources to support special education [12]; tangible aids illustrating graphic design theory for BLV students [29]; graphs to teach mathematical concepts [10,22]; programming course curriculum [24]; and 3D printed children's books [26,46].…”

“…In the last decade there has been widespread interest in the use of 3D printed models to provide blind and low vision (BLV) people access to educational materials [50], maps and floor plans [20,21], and for cultural sites [39]. While these models can contain braille labels this is problematic because of the difficulty of 3D printing braille on a model, the need to introduce braille keys and legends if the labels are too long, and the fact that the majority of BLV people are not fluent braille readers.…”

“…While these models can contain braille labels this is problematic because of the difficulty of 3D printing braille on a model, the need to introduce braille keys and legends if the labels are too long, and the fact that the majority of BLV people are not fluent braille readers. For this reason, many researchers have investigated interactive 3D printed models (I3Ms) with audio labels [18,38,16,45,21]. However, to date almost all research has focused on technologies for interaction, not on ascertaining the needs and desires of the BLV end-user and their preferred interaction strategies.…”