Opportunities and accessibility challenges for open-source general-purpose home automation mobile applications for visually disabled users

Abstract

The Internet of Things approaches applied in the context of home automation have been an important promise to improve the lives of users with visual impairments. However, there are few research studies that result in well-established techniques and guidelines for making these applications accessible for use with screen reading software or other adjustments required by visually impaired users. This article presents an analysis of design features to help design more affordable mobile home automation applications for visually impaired users. The analysis was carried out through tests by seven visually impaired users on a prototype developed in previous studies. Despite the limitations in the proof-of-concept prototype used in this study, users found the application promising and highlighted the need for improvements in the field, highlighting the opportunities to provide home automation applications to enhance independent living scenarios. The article also shows the challenges to be faced in these applications, considering the current limitations with support for mobile interaction through screen readers for applications that are very intensive in terms of dynamic elements and the need for immediate and accurate feedback.