Understanding the Needs and Challenges of Users Transitioning to Blindness

Understanding the needs and challenges of users transitioning to blindness due to either injury or age-related eye diseases is imperative when this is the primary audience for your site. Utilizing a range of research methods including surveys, user interviews and partipatory design sessions, usability testing, and competitive analysis, I identified several key insights and provided recommendations for improving the accessibility and usability of Sight Connection's brand guidelines, marketing materials and website for users with visual impairments.

STAR Summary

To provide a concise snapshot of the process and outcomes, the following STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) model summary outlines the key elements of this case study:

Situation: As more individuals face vision loss due to injury or age-related conditions, the transition to using assistive technologies has become increasingly complex. This research aimed to explore the barriers faced by these individuals and how Sight Connections digital marketing materials could be better designed to support their unique needs.

Task: My objective was to gain deep insights into the difficulties experienced by people with vision impairments and recommend design solutions that could improve the usability and accessibility of their customer facing site, accessed with assistive technologies.

Action: I led a multi-method research effort that involved gathering data through remote user interviews and participatory design exercises, usability tests, and competitive analysis. This approach provided a well-rounded understanding of the challenges users faced, triangulating findings and gaps in their current web products. I developed targeted suggestions to make the interface easier to navigate, increasing accessibility through better feedback mechanisms for assistive tech users.

Results: My findings highlighted a the need for simpler, more user-friendly assistive technology and the value of training resources, much like those Sight Connection offered. Suggestions centered on improving design elements and tailoring training resources to users' varying needs. Implementing these changes would offer a more inclusive experience, reducing frustration and fostering greater independence for those transitioning to blindness.

Project Background

As the population ages, the number of people experiencing vision loss due to either injury or age-related eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma is increasing. The transition to blindness can be a challenging and isolating experience, particularly for those who are not familiar with assistive technology. It is important that designers and developers understand the needs and challenges of users transitioning to blindness in order to develop products and services that are accessible and usable for this population.

"I feel left out and overwhelmed with technology that's not designed for my needs."

Example SMART Goals

Setting SMART goals is crucial to ensure that outcomes are not only meaningful but also measurable and achievable. SMART goals—specific (measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) provide a clear framework for defining objectives and tracking progress. For this project, SMART goals facilitate a structured approach to addressing the complex challenges associated with improving accessibility in assistive technologies. By setting precise targets and deadlines, we effectively gauge the impact of our interventions, ensure that resources are allocated efficiently, and make informed decisions based on user feedback and outcomes. This structured approach ensures that our efforts lead to tangible improvements in the accessibility and usability of products and services for users transitioning to blindness, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and independence.

1. Example Smart Goal: Improve Accessibility Features of Assistive Technology Products Based on Usability Testing Feedback by June 2019.
   • Specific: Identify key accessibility issues from testing and work to refine features such as navigation, input methods, and feedback mechanisms on the site.
   • Measurable: Verify that at least 75% of the identified accessibility issues are resolved and using the WAVE Checker.
   • Achievable: Utilize feedback from accessibility testing sessions and collaborate with developers to prioritize and address the identified issues.
   • Relevant: Improving accessibility features is essential for enhancing the user experience and ensuring that assistive technologies meet the needs of users with varying levels of vision loss.
   • Time-bound: Implement and test the improved features by June 2019.

Research Methods:

1. Surveys:Surveys were utilized to collect quantitative data on user demographics, habits, and preferences. A web-based survey was distributed through online forums and social media. The survey focused on users' vision levels, device and software usage, and experience with assistive technology.
2. User Interviews: Conducted remote user interviews with users transitioning to blindness or experiencing significant vision loss. Sessions were semi-structured, exploring daily routines, work, leisure activities, and online interactions.
3. Participatory Design: Facilitated participatory design exercises with users experiencing vision loss, gathering insights into their unique accessibility needs and preferences. These sessions allowed participants to actively contribute to the design of Sight Connection's customer facing digital experience, ensuring that the solutions were tailored to their challenges and requirements.
4. Competitive Analysis: Analyzed assistive technology products and services, to better understand how users were encountering our site. The analysis reviewed features, pricing, user reviews, and accessibility, providing insights into market gaps and opportunities for enhancing the user experience.

"Adapting to new technology as I lose my vision has been really frustrating. Even with a screen reader, I still struggle to access information and feel quite isolated. I wish there were more support and simpler tools to help me through this transition."

Findings & Recommendations:

General User Insights: The research uncovered that most users transitioning to blindness have limited experience with assistive technology. Many felt frustrated and isolated, with a strong desire for additional support and resources. Users with severe vision loss frequently used screen readers but still encountered challenges accessing information and communication.

User Daily Challenges: Interviews and co-creation sessions highlighted that users felt overwhelmed by learning new technology and faced frustration with the limited accessibility of products and services.

1. Improving Accessibility and Affordability: There is a demand for more affordable and accessible hardware and software solutions.

   Recommendation: Create cost-effective products featuring text-to-speech, voice recognition, and advanced screen reader technologies. Ensure these solutions are designed with accessibility in mind and rigorously tested with users who have visual impairments.

2. Inclusive Design and Testing Practices: There is a need for more inclusive design practices that consider users with visual impairments.

   Recommendation: Implement design and testing practices that ensure web products are accessible and usable for users with varying levels of vision loss.

3. Need for Comprehensive Training and Support: Users transitioning to blindness require more effective training and support for learning new technology.

   Recommendation: Develop accessible training resources, including both online and in-person options, tailored to various levels of vision loss. These should help users gain the necessary skills and confidence to use technology effectively.

Conclusion:

Users transitioning to blindness have a variety of needs and challenges, including the need for more comprehensive and accessible training and support resources, more affordable and accessible hardware and software solutions, and the adoption of inclusive design and testing practices. By implementing these recommendations, designers and developers can improve the accessibility and usability of products and services for users with visual impairments, and help to reduce the isolation and frustration that many users experience.