Bridging the color barrier: A review of techniques for improving color perception in the blind and visually impaired

Abstract

The transmission of color experience has become a central concern in the development of devices for blind and visually impaired individuals. Several techniques have been implemented, taking into consideration other sensory modalities, in an attempt to find the most suitable solution to intersemiotically translate this visual information. The primary objective of this paper is to investigate various approaches to convey chromatic information for individuals with low vision or blindness and emphasize the importance of multi-modal integration and cross-modal interaction among different senses. This research brings together a wide variety of strategies utilized to translate color codes, such as patterns, temperatures, scents, music, and vibrations, with the aim of uncovering the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. A review of the existing literature suggests that interaction between multiple sensory channels is more effective in compensating for lack of vision. As a particularly relevant case study, attention will be paid to the enjoyment of art by people with visual impairments.