Route descriptions in advance and turn-by-turn instructions - Usability evaluation of a navigational system for visually impaired and blind people in public transport

Abstract

Wayfinding in public transport is still a great challenge for visually impaired and blind people. The presented evaluation study was conducted in the context of the research project Ways4All, which aims to develop an accessible system to facilitate the use of public transport for visually impaired and blind people. The study aims to assess the indoor and outdoor navigation modules of the mobile application developed in Ways4All. In a field study with 16 participants usability and accessibility issues of the system were identified. Furthermore it was investigated whether visually impaired and blind people wish to have a route description in advance, besides the turn-by-turn instructions provided by the system. The data analysis shows that the majority of visually impaired and blind people like to have the possibility to process a route description before they actually navigate. On the basis of the user feedback and the occurring issues, recommendations for the system design were created. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.