Guidelines for electronic systems designed for aiding the visually impaired people in metro networks

Abstract

The research described herein sought to contribute to the theoretical field pertaining assistive technology systems for the visual impaired. It aimed to investigate by what means the visual impaired interact within the metro environment, seeking to understand their abilities, limitations and fears, in light of their cognitive variables. The study was conducted through participant observation of users with visual impairment and also survey questionnaires to specialists, instructors of orientation and mobility for the visual impaired, and members of the focused users, in São Paulo (Brazil), and Porto (Portugal), which include, respectively, the assessment of two electronic guidance systems, NavGATe and Navmetro. It resulted in a set of guidelines for design, implementation and operation of mobile based assistive systems for the visual impaired within metro networks that fill existing gaps in current knowledge.