Daten (be)greifen - Wie Daten mittels Data Physicalization für blinde Menschen verfügbar werden

Abstract

While the use of information visualisations continues to increase, blind and visually
impaired people are often excluded from using them. This master’s thesis explores the
potential of data physicalizations to improve the accessibility of information visualizations for blind individuals. Given that traditional visualizations primarily address the
visual channel, this thesis aims to investigate, how data can be effictively communicated
through data physicalizations.
A user-centred design approach was chosen, to understand how blind users perceive tactile data pyhsicalizations and to evaluate the effectiveness of various encoding variables
and contextual components such as labels, legends, grids and guidelines. In the course
of this, a preliminary study with four blind participants and a user study with five blind
participants were conducted to test different prototypes of tatctile data physicalizations.
The results indicate, that the use of different materials for tactile differentiation of elements in data physicalisations may lead to a less optimal user experience, compared to the use of symbols and textures. The findings suggest that simple and easily distinguishable tactile symbols, such as basic geometric shapes, are more effective for conveying information than more complex designs. In addition, consistency in the size and placement of the tactile elements within the visualisations seems to have a positive influence
on readability. The design of contextual elements, such as scales, grids, and labels, also
seems to have an impact on the accurate interpretation of the data. The study indicates,
that minimalist designs, where unnecessary elements are removed, and standardized,
well-spaced Braille labels improve the overall user experience for blind individuals.
The thesis provides recommendations for the design of tactile data physicalizations and
at the same time identifies areas for future research. These include, among others further investigation of different materials and textures as well as the optimal design of contextual elements.
Keywords: Tactile information visualization, data physicalization, accessibility

Date of Award	2024
Original language	German (Austria)
Supervisor	Mandy Keck (Supervisor)