Problem

The Blind Tok Project aimed to create a more accessible app for visually impaired individuals to use. However, the team faced several challenges in identifying the primary needs and pain points of their target audience. They needed to gain a better understanding of PVI's motivations, interactions, and challenges in using such technologies.

The team conducted interviews with 20 visually impaired individuals to gain insights into their experiences with the app. Through these interviews, they identified three main areas where PVIs faced challenges: content moderation, accessibility, and social interaction. The team needed to find a way to address these issues and provide design opportunities for a more accessible app for PVIs.

https://sites.psu.edu/blindtok/research-statement/

Solution

The team executed an in-depth analysis of The Blind Tok Project and identified primary challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in content moderation, accessibility, and social interaction. They used these insights to develop recommendations for improving the app's features.

By communicating their research findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to team members and project stakeholders, the team was able to ensure that everyone understood the importance of addressing these issues. They also provided design opportunities by closely examining the challenges and needs that PVIs have.

Impact

Understanding BlindToker's content moderation from a transformative justice perscpetive.
Highlighting the design flaws that penalize marginalized groups.
Accessible ways to let BlindTokers know about potential content violations

Team

Team Member #1 - Yao Lyu, Pennsylvania State University, USA
Team Member #2 - Jie Cai, Pennsylvania State University, USA
Team Member #3 - Anisa Callis, Pennsylvania State University, USA
Team Member #4 - Kelley Cotter, Pennsylvania State University, USA
Team Member #5 - John M. Carroll, Pennsylvania State University, USA

Improving App Accessibility for Visually Impaired