Accessible Mobile Map Application and Interaction for People with Visual or Mobility Impairments

Abstract

Modern map applications provide their users with a multitude of functions that can be used through different forms of interactions. However, many map providers do not adequately meet the needs of users with blindness, low vision or mobility impairments. Therefore, we investigated interaction concepts for an accessible mobile map application. Theses concepts not only focus on the user interface, but also on the map content, which should be accessible to the target groups as well. We conducted a pilot study in which nine participants tested the usability and accessibility of the developed application. Our results show that we created a viable alternative for making map content accessible to people with different needs by providing an additional list view. Feedback from subjects indicated that in future, the listed items need to be meaningfully classified and ordered such that users with visual impairments or blindness can use them to form a mental picture of their surroundings.