Exploratory Design Research for the Blind and Visually Impaired Visitor in Exhibitions

Abstract

Modern museums have adopted various ways for the blind and visually impaired visitor to reach exhibitions and services. However, many requirements remain unfulfilled. This study aimed to give effective recommendations on design practice to cater for the blind and visually impaired visitor in museums. To this end, a Focus Group interview of this demographic was carried out to collect the latest information as a way of understanding their demands and user experience for exhibition design. By analysing and interpreting the interview, this study obtained exhibition design suggestions that are more suitable for blind and visually impaired visitors in Taiwan.

Keywords:

• blindness
• visual impairment
• user experience
• universal design
• museum

Acknowledgements

The researchers would like to express sincere gratitude to all members of the Tainan Blind Welfare Association, Taiwan. It was their courageous and candid communication that gave researchers rich information and research motivation.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Han-Xing Chen

Han-Xing Chen is a lecturer in School of Fine Arts, Nanjing Normal University. He received his master's degree of Arts from Nanjing Normal University in 2009. Currently, he is dedicated to service design for special groups by adopting digital media technology, as well as the research on design thinking.

Wen Huei Chou

Wen Huei Chou is a professor in National Yunlin University of Science and Technology. Dr. Chou is dedicated to the field of design education and research, especially in innovation and integration of new media design, and its implementation for human wellbeing.