Dual User Interface

An interface design approach in which two distinct, purpose-built user interfaces are provided simultaneously for different user groups — typically one visual interface for sighted users and one non-visual interface for blind or visually impaired users. Unlike screen reader adaptation, where assistive technology attempts to interpret a single visual interface, a dual user interface creates two separate interaction pathways that share the same underlying content and functionality but are each optimised for their respective modality. The two interfaces operate concurrently without conflicts, allowing a sighted teacher and a blind student, for example, to interact with the same electronic textbook at the same time. This approach avoids the quality compromises inherent in adapting a visual interface for non-visual use.