Multiomodal Application for the Perception of Spaces (MAPS)

Cognitive Mapping Without Vision: Comparing Wayfinding Performance After Learning From Digital Touchscreen-Based Multimodal Maps vs. Embossed Tactile Overlays

“…This 2-hand anchoring strategy has also been found to be useful with touchscreen-based haptic DIMs, similar to the VAM studied here, in supporting map panning operations (Palani and Giudice, 2017). Although the one vs. multiple finger issue has not been extensively studied with interactive maps, research with 14 BVI participants on learning indoor layouts via a touchscreen-based tablet interface using haptic cues delivered to one finger from the devices embedded vibration motor vs. stereo haptic cues delivered by vibrating rings worn on two fingers, showed that one-finger exploration was usually more accurate and actually preferred (Adams et al, 2015). The combination of these findings, in conjunction with the current results, provide compelling evidence for the efficacy of one-finger search strategies with touchscreen-based DIMS for supporting accurate information extraction, map learning, and cognitive mapping enabling efficient wayfinding behavior.…”

“…For instance, the development of cognitive maps was more accurate (and less effortful) when the digital maps were learned by 12 BVI users with a combination of vibration and audio feedback vs. only audio information (Yatani et al, 2012). Similar empirical/preference benefits for combined haptic and audio multimodal touchscreen interfaces vs. their unimodal analogs have been shown for map learning with 14 BVI participants on comprehension of indoor layouts (Adams et al, 2015), with 6 BVI and six blindfolded-sighted user's on map recreation tasks after learning the relation between three landmarks on a tablet-based digital map (Simonnet et al, 2019) and with map learning by 12 BVI users via a small touchscreenbased watch interface (Bardot et al, 2016). In aggregate, these studies demonstrate the value of using multimodal information for learning maps via the touchscreen, and germane to the current study, show that the use of vibrotactile information is particularly important for supporting cognitive map development and is most preferred as a mapping interface by users.…”

Traveling More Independently: A Study on the Diverse Needs and Challenges of People with Visual or Mobility Impairments in Unfamiliar Indoor Environments

“…While some of these barriers afect all travellers such as economic considerations, attitude, the credibility of information, others afect people with a speciic disability [28,46]. In the following sections 1 , we present some of the previous research, which is relevant for (1) the planning of a journey, (2) orientation in unknown buildings and (3) the use of maps and technical aids.…”

“…Many people with disabilities also use technologies such as websites, online forums, online imagery and existing location-based technologies to assess the accessibility of a building and often cross-check using multiple strategies [28,29,35]. 1 These sections are an extended version of [18] Technology is used by people with VI to build a mental map [30] before starting a journey by retracing the steps and recounting details of a trip such as street names or intersections [35].…”

“…They increase independence and autonomy, but the ability to use them efectively and eiciently must be developed beforehand [24]. Audio-tactile representations can improve overview knowledge of people with BL in unfamiliar indoor environments both when used for a priori (pre-visit) map learning and on-the-go (within the environment) [1].…”