People with Blind Visual Impairments (BVI) face unique challenges when sharing images, as these may accidentally contain sensitive or inappropriate content. In many instances, they are unaware of the potential risks associated with sharing such content, which can compromise their privacy and interpersonal relationships. To address this issue, we investigated image filtering techniques that could help BVI users manage sensitive content before sharing with various audiences, including family, friends, or strangers. We conducted a study with 20 BVI participants, evaluating different filters applied to images varying in sensitivity, such as personal moments or embarrassing shots. Results indicated that pixelation was the least preferred method, while preferences for other filters varied depending on image type and sharing context. Additionally, participants reported greater comfort when sharing filtered versus unfiltered images across audiences. Based on the results, we offer a set of design guidelines to enhance the image-sharing experience for BVI individuals.

Head-mounted displays (HMDs) enable users to navigate the Reality-Virtuality Continuum, facilitating transitions between the Real world, Augmented Reality, Augmented Virtuality, and the Virtual world. Traditional transition methods use double taps on HMDs or buttons on handheld controllers to transition between the worlds. However, this can often disrupt hands-free interaction and hinder the overall immersion. Although prior work explored transitioning within a reality, little is known about solutions facilitating transitioning across multiple worlds. In this paper, we investigate index finger-based solutions for transitioning between multiple realities. We designed and fabricated finger-worn button configurations of 2 × 2, 2 × 1, and 4 × 1, and compared them with finger-worn solutions such as Joystick, Rotary wheel, and Slider. The results showed that the 2 × 2 button configuration is the most effective technique, minimizing trial time and ensuring user comfort. Overall, this research enhances VR user experiences by improving interaction techniques for fluid switching between realities in the Reality-Virtuality Continuum.

With the recent Virtual Reality (VR) Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs), users can seamlessly transition between the virtual and real worlds with techniques such as passthrough. These techniques leverage on-device cameras to capture the real world and show users a view of their physical surroundings while wearing the HMDs. However, they often require users to hold a controller or frequently tap on the HMD, limiting the potential for hands-free interaction and thereby hindering a truly immersive and natural VR experience. To address this limitation, we designed FingerButton, a finger-worn push button device that enables seamless transitions between real and virtual environments. We conducted two studies, where the first one explored a set of hand gestures for transitioning between two environments that are commonly used for “mode switching” within realities. In the second study, we compared FingerButton with the best two-hand gesture identified in the first study and other commercially available solutions (e.g., double tap) for a between-reality selection task. The results show that the physical finger button is faster and user-preferred than other techniques for the transition tasks. Overall, this research contributes to understanding and improving the interaction techniques for fluid switching between the real and virtual worlds, thereby enhancing VR user experiences.