Designing for People with Low Vision: Learnability, Usability and Pleasurability

A new low vision reading aid is under development that uses advanced technology and aims to improve usability and pleasurability while maintaining the learnability of existing reading aids. Existing video magnifier users, other low vision people and normally sighted matched-age controls completed a reading test using existing machines and a mock-up control panel of the redesigned unit to determine if the aims had been reached. Improved usability was achieved in the redesigned product and once users mastered the more complex interface most found the redesigned product more pleasurable. However, learning time was greater than with the existing technology. Results also indicate that while people with low vision experience a similar level of technology-related anxiety to the control group, they are more likely to engage with technology that enhances their quality of life.