How Can Haptic Feedback Assist People with Blind and Low Vision (BLV): A Systematic Literature Review

2024-12-26

AI Summary

This study addresses the limited real-world effectiveness of tactile assistive technologies for blind and low-vision (BLV) individuals. We conducted a systematic literature review of 132 HCI studies published between 2004 and 2024, implementing the first two-decade-scale structured analysis in this domain—following PRISMA guidelines and integrating thematic coding with cross-study comparison. Our analysis identifies three recurrent bottlenecks across key application scenarios—graph comprehension, navigation guidance, and educational training: (1) hardware constraints, (2) inadequate functional adaptation to user needs, and (3) absence of rigorous, inclusive user experience evaluation. We propose the “Three-Dimensional Effectiveness Limitation” framework to characterize these challenges. Key findings include optimal body locations for tactile feedback, empirically grounded modality-selection principles, and task-specific performance ceilings. We identify three critical research directions: wearable feedback paradigms, task-driven stimulation strategies, and inclusive, ecologically valid evaluation methodologies—providing an evidence-based design roadmap for high-utility tactile assistive systems.

Technology Category

• Humans and AI: AI for Accessibility
• Intelligent Robots: Multimodal Perception & Sensor Fusion
• Computer Vision: Low Level & Physics-based Vision

Application Category

• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Practical large-scale studies of user experience
• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Web evaluation methodologies and metrics
• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Web performance, measurement, and characterization

Abstract

People who are blind or have low vision (BLV) encounter numerous challenges in their daily lives and work. To support them, various haptic assistive tools have been developed. Despite these advancements, the effective utilization of these tools -- including the optimal haptic feedback and on-body stimulation positions for different tasks along with their limitations -- remains poorly understood. Recognizing these gaps, we conducted a systematic literature review spanning two decades (2004-2024) to evaluate the development of haptic assistive tools within the HCI community. Our findings reveal that these tools are primarily used for understanding graphical information, providing guidance and navigation, and facilitating education and training, among other life and work tasks. We identified three main limitations: hardware limitations, functionality limitations, and UX and evaluation methods limitations. Based on these insights, we discuss potential research avenues and offer suggestions for enhancing the effectiveness of future haptic assistive technologies.

Problem

• Tactile Feedback
• Visual Impairment
• Assistive Technology

Innovation

• Tactile Assistance Devices
• Visual Impairment
• Haptic Feedback Optimization