TADA: A System for Blind and Low-Vision People to Access Diagrams with Touch and Audio

What is it about?

We introduce a software system called TADA, Touch-and-Audio-based Diagram Access, designed to help blind and low-vision people understand and interact with diagrams using a tablet. Diagrams are usually visual and can be hard to access for those with vision impairments. TADA uses sound and touch to make these diagrams more accessible. By touching the tablet screen, users can explore the diagrams, gather different perspectives, search for specific parts, navigate through connections and filter information. The system was tested with participants who found it helpful for understanding complex diagrammatic information in a new way.

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Photo by rivage on Unsplash

Photo by rivage on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The problem of diagram access and people's current practices were empirically validated through an interview study with 15 blind and low-vision participants. The TADA system’s design allows for open-ended touch-based explorations, significantly enhancing the accessibility of diagrams. The practicality and usefulness of TADA were confirmed through an evaluation with 25 participants. TADA aims to improve equity and diversity in fields that rely heavily on visual representations and open up new opportunities for blind and low-vision individuals in education, work, and daily life.

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