Using the OptiBand to Increase the Long-Range Spatial Perception of People with Vision Disabilities

Mobility aids such as the white cane provide close-range information to help people with vision disabilities navigate the world. However, this technology has a limited sensing range and does not provide long-distance scene awareness. This paper proposes a vibrotactile feedback device to fill this gap: the OptiBand, which was developed based on design criteria from a blind stakeholder. The presented user study (N = 27) compared the OptiBand to a proxy for existing shorter-range mobility aids, considered two potential sensed distance-to-vibration mapping strategies, and covered the use cases of locating and approaching objects of interest. Results of the object-locating trials showed that using the OptiBand led to faster and more successful performance, as well as lower task load and more satisfaction with the device, compared to using a proxy state-of-the-art device. A final trial with the original stakeholder demonstrated that the design criteria were met and supplied insights for the next iteration of participatory design for the OptiBand. Those who are interested in assistive devices for people with vision disabilities can benefit from this work.