Deformation gesture-based input method for non-visual primitive geometric shape drawing

Abstract

Reading and creating graphical information is a difficult task for users with visual impairment and blindness. It becomes even more challenging on touchscreen devices due to the lack of tactile buttons. However, advancement in flexible displays and electronics offers the potential use of physical deformation as an additional input modality. These deformation-based gestures provide innate tactile and kinesthetic feedback, which are essential for non-visual interaction. In this paper, I describe my Ph.D. research on non-visual drawing using the deformation gesture-based input method. This work is currently in the initial phase. This research aims to understand the preference and performance of deformation-based gestures on a smartphone-sized flexible handheld device and evaluate the effect of deformation and touch input modalities in the non-visual primitive geometric shape drawing. The expected outcome of this research can be useful for user interface designers and developers and researchers in developing accessible applications for future flexible devices.