Qualitative Study for the Design of Assistive Technologies for Improving Quality of Life of Visually Impaired

This paper describes an effort to create a conceptual design of an assistive technology that aims to improve quality of life of people with low vision. We carried out a qualitative study including in-depth interviews with people of low vision. The analysis revealed several key concepts to understand people's lived experiences of low vision including the ambiguity of their self-images and burdens in the interaction with the sighted people. The importance of building 'self-confidence of managing people's appropriate appearances' of low vision was emphasized. We created a conceptual design of a total assistive solution that supported people of low vision to perform each stage of a comprehensive cycle of the arrangement of their appearances. Our challenge continues to enhance a methodology for bridging a gap between qualitative research and the design of user experience.