3D Printed Interactive Multi-Storey Model for People with Visual Impairments: Co-Design Process and Comparative Study between a 3D Model and 2D Tactile Maps

Title of the Paper

3D Printed Interactive Multi-Storey Model for People with Visual Impairments

Paper Information

• Subject Area: Exploring the impact and application of interactive multi-storey building models based on 3D printing technology in spatial cognition education for people with visual impairments.
• Keywords: visual impairment, spatial cognition, verticality, interactive 3D model, DIY production, orientation and mobility training, tactile maps

Research Background and Problem

• Existing Problems or Challenges:

  • Globally, 220 million people with visual impairments face challenges in understanding complex spatial topologies in daily life, particularly when navigating multi-storey buildings.
  • Current tools used in spatial cognition education for people with visual impairments (e.g., tactile maps, magnetic boards, handmade models) have significant limitations, such as limited capacity, difficulty in representing overlapping and connected building floors, and excessive cognitive load.

• Importance of the Problem:

  • Independent mobility is crucial for the autonomy and quality of life of people with visual impairments. Effective spatial cognition teaching tools can promote safer and more independent navigation of complex multi-storey building environments, reducing social isolation.

• Research Motivation and Related Work:

  • Related studies have shown that interactive tactile maps and 3D printed models can enhance spatial understanding and navigation abilities for people with visual impairments.
  • Existing designs for multi-storey spatial topology cognition have not effectively integrated the practical needs of professional orientation and mobility (O&M) instructors, nor have they undergone comprehensive comparison and in-depth evaluation.

Proposed Solution

• Proposed Solution:

  • This study, based on the "Do-It-Yourself (DIY)" design concept, collaborates with O&M instructors to design an interactive 3D model tool for teaching the spatial concepts of complex train stations (multi-storey buildings).
  • The model stacks floors to allow tactile perception of vertical building structures, supplemented with audio interaction technology to enhance information delivery.

• Innovative Aspects:

  • Using an iterative co-design approach to identify O&M instructors' needs and design high-fidelity, low-cost models that meet their teaching objectives.
  • Comparing the efficiency and user experience of interactive 3D models with interactive 2D tactile maps in the same experiment.
  • Exploring the model's applicability for both children and adults and validating its replicability in different contexts.

• Implementation Steps and Key Technologies:

  1. Exploration Phase: Identify teaching needs through focus groups and discussions with instructors.
  2. Ideation Phase: Propose design requirements for the model, including information hierarchy, modular design, independent exploration of multiple floors, and audio interaction.
  3. Generation Phase: Use 3D printing technology to create models simulating train station spatial layouts, followed by laboratory pre-testing to optimize the design.
  4. User Research: Evaluate the efficiency and learning outcomes of the model compared to traditional 2D maps using six pairs of O&M instructors and visually impaired participants, and validate knowledge transfer performance in real-world scenarios.

Research Outcomes

• Specific Outcomes:

  • Improved Usability: The interactive 3D model is more intuitive than 2D tactile maps, significantly enhancing the ability of visually impaired individuals to understand multi-storey building layouts, particularly the connections between floors.
  • High User Satisfaction: All visually impaired participants and O&M instructors expressed higher satisfaction and preferred the 3D model as a teaching tool for future use.
  • Design Recommendations and Replicability Validation: A set of recommended guidelines for creating complex spatial models was provided, and the replicability of the model production was successfully validated at another professional center.

• Advantages Compared to Existing Solutions:

  • The interactive 3D model reduces cognitive load and increases the potential for independent exploration.
  • It is better suited for children with lower tactile reading abilities, expanding the range of teaching audiences.
  • The DIY approach reduces the time and cost of producing complex teaching tools.

• Experimental or Evaluation Results:

  • In experiments, the 3D model significantly outperformed 2D maps in teaching vertical concepts, spatial connection paths, and overall layout efficiency.
  • Instructors found the model more intuitive, reducing explanation time and improving course autonomy and teaching comfort.

• Limitations and Future Directions:

  • Limitations: The model is less portable compared to tactile maps and relies heavily on production technology.
  • Future Directions:
    1. Develop portable 3D object sets for classroom and on-site teaching.
    2. Create interactive touch-sensitive technology to replace current audio interaction devices.
    3. Compare the learning efficiency and user preferences of 3D interactive models versus virtual environments.
    4. Establish an open standardized 3D model database to assist professional educators in customizing teaching tools.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the potential of interactive 3D models in multi-storey spatial learning for people with visual impairments, highlighting significant practical application value. It also emphasizes the importance of community support and technology sharing in encouraging O&M instructors to adopt DIY tools. This approach represents a future direction for the development of spatial cognition teaching tools in special education.