Periphree
Research Topic
Exploring technological modalities for assisting sufferers of visual field defects with their mobility problem.
A recent study indicates that people with low vision receive information in a massive different way from people who are blind, for example, low vision individuals still rely on using the visual signal to determine the situation rather than other senses. Although people with low vision is regarded as an overlooked user group as early as in 1998, only recently studies have emerged to help designers and practitioners to understand accessibility challenges faced by people with low vision.
Design Concept
Part 01: Wearable device structure
Wearable device structure The wearable device is in the form of a smart glasses, with a live camera in the front of the it as the major data receiver to collect the graphic information and a small-scale projector to project the visual signal onto the glass area. It gives the visual hint of the ‘important information’ that locates in the defected vision area and display it on their residual vision. The feedback can be associated with auditory feedback as well.
Part 02: Mobile application structure
The application on the mobile phone allows each user to log into their personal account to customize the display mode of their smart glasses, as well as to send a location based message into the community to inform both themselves and other users. The interface is designed into high-contrast colour combination, simple and minimal structure and huge buttons to ensure it’s practical to visual impaired group. The software requires a GPS tracker as a hardware support build-in the mobile.
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Feature 01: Customizable interface
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Feature 02: Environmentally responsible
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Feature 03: Community Corporation
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Feature 04: Following spontaneous reaction of human body
HCD Design Methods
HCD Methods are carried out through the design process.
We implemented multiple runs of user tests for a better approach to the objectives of each stage.
Combined with the background research, it gives enough material and a start-up point to ideation of the concept
It gives Initial guideline to the prototype production
Ideation
Start-up Test
Prototyping
The prototype functions as a tool to explain the concept better for the next round’s usability test
Usability Test
Observation and Semi-Structured interview was implemented during this process
Debugging
Its outcome provides a better representation of the design concept by this stage of the study.
Key Findings
It gives a start-up point of next round of usability test and further research
“Semi-structured interviews unfold in a conversational manner offering participants the chance to explore issues they feel are important (Clifford and Valentine, 2003).”
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The test uses the semi-structured interview method, where the user is asked to perform a series of tasks. The purpose of this is to understand usability flaws so they can be revised. The nature of this interview allows users the opportunity to suggest ways they feel most comfortable using the interface.
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The Double Dimond Model is implemented in the design process. By going through the background research, insight analysis, ideation, sketching, low fidelity mock-ups, initial user testing, high fidelity mock-ups, further user test, Final refinement, we have a better understanding of true user need.
