A Surprising Statistic to Consider

Imagine this: 1 in 4 young adults will face a disability before they retire. In today's world, nearly 1.3 billion people—about 16% of the global population—are living with significant disabilities. As life expectancy rises, the likelihood of experiencing a disability in our lifetimes becomes more pronounced.

Focus on Visual Impairments

In this discussion, I'm zeroing in on visual impairments, which include blindness and low vision. My name is Ohan Oda, a software engineer at Google Maps, and I’m excited to share how we’ve transformed our augmented reality feature, Lens in Maps, to be more accessible for visually impaired users.

What Exactly is Lens in Maps?

Lens in Maps is an innovative feature that allows users to better understand their surroundings through a camera-based experience. By simply tapping the camera icon in Google Maps, users can get first-person insights about nearby places like restaurants and transit stations.

Augmented Reality Meets Accessibility

While AR is typically a visual experience, we recognized the necessity of making Lens in Maps functional for visually impaired individuals. Our integration with screen readers enables users to receive auditory information about their surroundings, making it easier to navigate unfamiliar places.

Addressing Challenges in AR Implementation

Despite its potential, Lens in Maps faces challenges in everyday scenarios. Users often don’t see the value in using AR for familiar areas. The process of holding up a phone and waiting for information can sometimes feel cumbersome, especially in crowded spaces.

Researching the Need for Accessibility

After identifying the hurdles, I conducted thorough research. Attending Google’s accessibility sessions helped me understand the difficulties visually impaired users face when navigating to their destinations. Often, their navigation app tells them where to go, but they struggle to find the actual location once they arrive.

Finding the Right Solutions

In developing a prototype for Lens in Maps, I collaborated with teams focused on assistive technology. By getting feedback from visually impaired users within Google, the prototype saw iterative improvements, bringing us closer to an effective, real-world application.

User-Centric Testing Struggles

Testing accessibility features with real users is essential but can be challenging. I sought external volunteers to gather more comprehensive feedback. Engaging with users during events like the XR Access conference provided valuable insights into the feature's usability.

What Worked: Leveraging Existing Technologies

A key success factor was integrating familiar technologies like screen readers. We chose to use existing screen reader capabilities, thereby streamlining the user experience rather than requiring additional configurations.

Making Information Digestible and Actionable

We prioritized succinct communication, delivering only the most relevant information about nearby places to avoid overwhelming users. For example, instead of a lengthy description, we distilled it down to the name, type, and distance of a location.

Incorporating Haptic Feedback

To complement auditory information, we added haptic feedback, allowing users to receive tactile signals while navigating, enhancing the overall experience without distracting from the auditory cues.

Real-World Impact — Testimonial

Ross Minor, an accessibility consultant, shared his positive experience with Lens in Maps, describing it as a game-changer for mobility. This user feedback underscores the feature's significance in aiding blind individuals to navigate complex environments.

Preparing for a Future of Inclusivity

With around 43 million people living with blindness and 295 million facing moderate to severe visual impairment, developing accessible technology is not just mission-driven—it’s preparation for our collective future. Let's rethink how we can make augmented reality features beneficial for all.

Emulating Success: The Competitive Landscape

When compared to apps like Microsoft Soundscape, Lens in Maps offers unparalleled precision by utilizing visual markers, helping users navigate with remarkable accuracy.

Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

While not every AR application can cater to the visually impaired, there's immense value in considering accessibility during the development process. Simple modifications can create meaningful inclusivity without overwhelming complexity. As technology evolves, let’s strive to ensure that everyone can benefit from its advancements.