Addressing the needs of visually impaired people is of continued interest in Human Computer Interaction (HCI) research. Yet, one of the major challenges facing researchers in this field continues to be how to design adequate quantitative empirical evaluation for these users in HCI. In this paper, we analyse a corpus of 178 papers on technologies designed for people with visual impairments, published since 1988, and including at least one quantitative empirical evaluation (243 evaluations in total). To inform future research in this area, we provide an overview, historic trends and a unified terminology to design and report quantitative empirical evaluations. We identify open issues and propose a set of guidelines to address them. Our analysis aims to facilitate and stimulate future research on this topic.

Science simulations are widely used in classrooms to support inquiry-based learning of complex science concepts. These tools typically rely on interactive visual displays to convey relationships. Auditory displays, including verbal description and sonification (non-speech audio), combined with alternative input capabilities, may provide an enhanced experience for learners, particularly learners with visual impairment. We completed semi-structured interviews and usability testing with eight adult learners with visual impairment for two audio-enhanced simulations. We analyzed trends and edge cases in participants' interaction patterns, interpretations, and preferences. Findings include common interaction patterns across simulation use, increased efficiency with second use, and the complementary role that description and sonification play in supporting learning opportunities. We discuss how these control and display layers work to encourage exploration and engagement with science simulations. We conclude with general and specific design takeaways to support the implementation of auditory displays for accessible simulations.

Nonvisually Accessible Video Calling (NAVC) is a prototype that detects visual conversation cues in a video call and uses audio cues to convey them to a user who is blind or low-vision. NAVC uses audio cues inspired by movie soundtracks to convey Attention, Agreement, Disagreement, Happiness, Thinking, and Surprise. When designing NAVC, we partnered with people who are blind or low-vision through a user-centered design process that included need-finding interviews and design reviews. To evaluate NAVC, we conducted a user study with 16 participants. The study provided feedback on the NAVC prototype and showed that the participants could easily discern some cues, like Attention and Agreement, but had trouble distinguishing others. The accuracy of the prototype in detecting conversation cues emerged as a key concern, especially in avoiding false positives and in detecting negative emotions, which tend to be masked in social conversations. This research identified challenges and design opportunities in using AI models to enable accessible video calling.

We present a multimodal science simulation, including visual and auditory (descriptions, sound effects, and sonifications) display. The design of each modality is described, as well as evaluation with learners with and without visual impairments. We conclude with challenges and opportunities at the intersection of multiple modalities.

As ubiquitous as weather is in our daily lives, individuals with vision impairments endure poorly designed user experiences when attempting to check the weather on their mobile devices. This is primarily caused by a mismatch between the visually based information layout on screen and the order in which a screen reader, such as TalkBack or VoiceOver, presents the information to users with visual impairments. Additionally, any image or icon included on the screen presents no information to the user if they are not able to see it. Therefore we created the Accessible Weather App to run on Android and integrate with the TalkBack accessibility feature that is already available on the operating system. We also included a set of auditory weather icons which use sound, rather than visuals, to convey current weather conditions to users in a fast and pleasant way. This paper discusses the process for determining what features the users' would want and require, as well as our methodology for evaluating the beta version of our app.