Towards accessible news reading design in virtual reality for low vision

Abstract

Low-vision conditions resulting in partial loss of the central visual field strongly affect patients' daily tasks and routines, and none more prominently than the ability to access text. Though vision aids such as magnifiers, digital screens, and text-to-speech devices can improve overall accessibility to text, news media, which is non-linear and has complex and volatile formatting, is still inaccessible, barring low-vision patients from easy access to essential news content. This position paper proposes virtual reality as a promising solution towards accessible and enjoyable news reading for low vision. We first provide an extensive review into existing research on lowvision reading technologies and visual accessibility solutions for modern news media. From previous research and studies, we then conduct an analysis into the advantages of virtual reality for lowvision reading and propose comprehensive guidelines for visual accessibility design in virtual reality, with a focus on reading. This is coupled with a hands-on survey of eight reading applications in virtual reality to evaluate how accessibility design is currently implemented in existing products. Finally, we present a proof-of-concept using browser-based graphics to demonstrate the feasibility of our proposal with modern virtual reality technology.

A Framework for Accessibility in XR Environments

“…Consequently, ensuring digital accessibility has become a crucial requirement for addressing the fundamental needs of people with disabilities, and thus ensuring their equal access to digital services and applications. Digital accessibility encompasses a growing commitment, by policymakers, public bodies, the research community, and the industry, to develop legislation, guidelines, standards, and assistive technologies that empower people with disabilities to access and utilize various applications [5][6][7].…”

Designing Guided User Tasks in VR Embodied Experiences

“…The growth in graphics rendering capabilities has facilitated the adoption of Virtual Reality (VR) in professional training and simulation scenarios as diverse as cockpit training [27], engineering education [1], rehabilitation of disabilities [37,38], prevention of occupational hazards [30], and many more. On the one hand, the Designer -the team or individual that creates embodied VR experiences -can realize strong control over the content being presented to the User of their system.…”