Empathy Tool Design-Eye Disease Simulator Based on Mixed-Reality Technology

Abstract

People who are suffering from oculopathy have a tons of inconveniences in daily life due to cognitive difficulties. Our research results - eye disease simulator embrace inclusive design philosophy may make some changes. However, a kind of empathy tools aimed at helping designer experience eye disease has been lacking for a long time. Our project brings out an eye disease simulator based on mixed reality technology (Microsoft Hololens) enable designers understand the eye disease patient better, and verify & optimize visual design through serious expert interviews, patient shadowing and other design methods. Compared with the previously existed oculopathy simulator, our research result covers a variety of eye disease’s traits, even more truly reveal the world of visually impaired groups can see. Getting the benefit from wearability and interactivity of Microsoft Hololens, visual designers can see world through transparent front glass simultaneously in an acceptable way, while recording issues on previous guide system through various interaction (including Leapmotion, eye tacking). Our research results can be widely used to guide system design in public space, web design and so on. In conclusion, our research project validates the effectiveness of eye disease simulator through actual design cases, and explores new approach that combines cutting-edge technologies with orthodox empathy design tools.