Blind and Visually Impaired Community
↑
5
↓
What is the airport experience like for visually impaired? (self.Blind)
submitted by xbotgrl
Interested in learning about the airport check-in process at a self-service kiosk at the airport for the visually impaired. Working on design ideas to improve the experience.
Amonwilde 6 points 5y ago
I think the only thing that can be said for kiosks is that you (usually) don't have to use them, at least for now. To be usable, there would have to be a consistent standard implemented across airlines, so that a VI user knows how to start an accessible transaction. The last time I used a kiosk, I went all the way through and then at the end noticed there was some kind of hole for headphones that was supposed to allow for accessibility. Not sure how I was supposed to know that was there and only even know about it now because I'm partially sighted.
Ignoring that issue, one way a kiosk could work with a minimum of overhaul is to create an app that asks a traveller to fill out the info a kiosk usually asks for. The app could then generate a QR code that could be held up in front of the kiosk, which could then spit out a ticket. All interactions would happen on the phone. Another possibility, which is more likely but will probably take longer, is to do away with paper boarding passes altogether and do everything in an app. That's probably where things are going, realistically speaking, and as long as the app or apps are accessible it shouldn't be an issue for VI folks.
Ignoring that issue, one way a kiosk could work with a minimum of overhaul is to create an app that asks a traveller to fill out the info a kiosk usually asks for. The app could then generate a QR code that could be held up in front of the kiosk, which could then spit out a ticket. All interactions would happen on the phone. Another possibility, which is more likely but will probably take longer, is to do away with paper boarding passes altogether and do everything in an app. That's probably where things are going, realistically speaking, and as long as the app or apps are accessible it shouldn't be an issue for VI folks.
xbotgrl [OP] 2 points 5y ago
Thank you so much for your input — I really appreciate it! Yes, I think apps have the potential to help a lot with the process — from eliminating the need to re-enter information to wayfinding. I've read about some interesting applications of using beacons in conjunctions with apps throughout airports. Thank you again!
vwlsmssng 3 points 5y ago
The benefit of an app should be the consideration that the user will have (a) configured their devices accessibility features to help their visual impairment, and (b) they will be familiar with the UI of the accessibility system on their device.
For example, the person I help with accessibility issues uses VoiceOver, inverted colours and sometimes Zoom. They have learnt all the additional gestures right up to the 8-finger quintuple tap gesture (this is meant to be a VoiceOver joke). If given an Android phone they wouldn't know where to start, and neither would I be able to help them. Other VI people would use Zoom extensively without the VoiceOver UI changes and with standard colours. Some VoiceOver users will use the "screen curtain" facility for privacy.
The drawback of this approach is that you are not serving those people without smartphones, those who have learnt to use their phone for more than phone calls and those who travel without their smartphone. But if you are serving some of the population then you are freeing up staff who can assist others and giving independence and privacy to some people.
For example, the person I help with accessibility issues uses VoiceOver, inverted colours and sometimes Zoom. They have learnt all the additional gestures right up to the 8-finger quintuple tap gesture (this is meant to be a VoiceOver joke). If given an Android phone they wouldn't know where to start, and neither would I be able to help them. Other VI people would use Zoom extensively without the VoiceOver UI changes and with standard colours. Some VoiceOver users will use the "screen curtain" facility for privacy.
The drawback of this approach is that you are not serving those people without smartphones, those who have learnt to use their phone for more than phone calls and those who travel without their smartphone. But if you are serving some of the population then you are freeing up staff who can assist others and giving independence and privacy to some people.
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.