Developing a prototype using mobile devices to assist visually impaired users

Semantic Web accessibility network services (SWANS) is a research project which explores ways of transforming the lives of visually impaired (VI) users. This article presents the development process of a prototype SWANS-M (Mobile) which is evolved from SWANS-W(Wireless) prototype to enhance the physical mobility of VI users using mobile devices. In this prototype we have particularly evaluated the uses of portable screen reader (JAWS) to increase the physical mobility of VI users. The prototype was designed and developed using pocket PC 2003 second edition Emulator available in the Microsoft Visual Studio 2005. SWANS-M prototype was examined in order to assess how confident and independent VI users are in their daily lives. This research was conducted in collaboration with the Cambridge On-line Pathways Project United Kingdom. A qualitative approach was used to test the usability of this new prototype with our focus group. This study was carried out through direct observations and informal interviews conducted over a year. The sample size consisted of fifteen VI users. All participants were adults. It was observed that more than 60% of the participants felt confident regarding to their physical mobility using this new prototype. SWANS-M prototype can help VI users to explore new opportunities for education, employment and leisure, not only through independent, but also productive living.