Abstract
Purpose :
Despite high expectations for Fully Autonomous Vehicles (FAVs) within the blind and visually impaired (BVI) community, concerns persist regarding accessibility and user-vehicle interaction. Through a telephone questionnaire, we explored perceived challenges, information needs, and interface preferences of BVI users in anticipation of future FAV implementation.
Methods :
We interviewed 120 individuals (median age 55, 44% male): 32 totally blind, 31 severely visually impaired (SVI), 30 mildly visually impaired (MVI), and 27 with normal vision (NV). They were asked about perceived challenges and information needs across 6 steps in using FAVs and ranked their preferences for user-vehicle interfaces in different use scenarios. Their perceptions and concerns about FAVs were discussed.
Results :
41% of the Blind and SVI groups believed the BVI community was considered in FAV development, compared to 20% MVI and 33% NV. The perceived likelihood of using FAVs increased with the severity of visual impairment (81% Blind, 65% SVI, 48% MVI, 19% NV, p=0.016). Besides owning a personal FAV, all groups preferred choosing long-term subscriptions over AV ride-hailing services and AV public transportation. For all groups, dealing with unexpected situations and finding the destination after being dropped off were among the most challenging steps when using FAVs. In addition, the Blind and SVI reported identifying the FAV when it arrives as challenging while the MVI and NV groups reported booking a ride as challenging. Blind and VI groups prioritized information needs to help them stay aware of surroundings through accessible interfaces, while the NV group preferred information for reassurance about safety and functionality through visual notifications. All groups agreed on voice interaction (>83%) and live assistance (>51%) as top preferences when using FAVs. Blind group also favored cellphone interaction (44%), while other groups preferred touch screen (>45%).
Conclusions :
The Blind group expressed the highest intention of using FAVs, with personal FAV ownership being the most preferred mode of utilization. Handling unexpected situations was universally perceived as the most difficult step, with identifying the arriving car particularly challenging for Blind and SVI groups. All subjects preferred voice interaction and wanted live assistance during emergencies.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.