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Comparison between audio and tactile systems for delivering simple navigational information to visually impaired pedestrians

Brunel University, UK, Olinkha.Gustafson-Pearce{at}brunel.ac.uk

Eric Billett

Brunel University, UK

Franjo Cecelja

Brunel University, UK

Many of the current GPS (Global Positioning Systems) navigation aids use an audio method to deliver navigation information to the user. For the visually impaired person this method can be problematic. The visually impaired pedestrian relies heavily on information contained within the ambient sound environment; for location and orientation information, navigation information and, importantly, safety information. In this article we present the design of an innovative tactile interface and verification of results obtained through experimental trials. This pilot study compared the efficiency of the tactile interface to an audio method of delivering simple navigational information. The findings indicate that the tactile interface could be used successfully by blind and sighted pedestrians and may offer advantages over auditory interfaces.

Key Words: audio interface • navigation • navigation aid • street noise • tactile interface • Tugs

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British Journal of Visual Impairment, Vol. 25, No. 3, 255-265 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0264619607079807


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				O. Gustafson-Pearce, E. Billett, and F. Cecelja Testing the effectiveness of a tactile signal to deliver navigation information while the participant's attention is otherwise engaged British Journal of Visual Impairment, May 1, 2009; 27(2): 147 - 157. [Abstract] [PDF]

This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Gustafson-Pearce, O. Articles by Cecelja, F. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?