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The literature-review database. Every paper Bob has reviewed (he has read many more), with a short summary, key findings, and tags. Browse, filter, search.

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  • AI4XR: AI in Extended Reality for 3D Scene Editing and Accessibility Design

    Junlong Chen · 2026 · Extended Abstracts of the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI EA '26) — Doctoral Consortium

    This CHI '26 Doctoral Consortium paper summarises Junlong Chen's PhD research at the University of Cambridge on integrating AI — specifically large language models (LLMs) and vision-language models (VLMs) — into extended reality (XR) workflows. The research covers two…

    extended reality · virtual reality · artificial intelligence · large language models · vision-language models

  • 30 Years of Solving the Wrong Problem: How Recolouring Tool Design Fails those with Colour Vision Deficiency

    Connor Geddes, David R. Flatla, Ciabhan L. Connelly · 2023 · Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS '23)

    This paper critically examines three decades of research into recolouring tools — colour filters and daltonization algorithms designed to help people with Colour Vision Deficiency (CVD) differentiate colours — and finds that these tools fundamentally misunderstand how people…

    colour vision deficiency · colour blindness · recolouring · colour filters · daltonization

  • Challenging and Improving Current Evaluation Methods for Colour Identification Aids

    Connor Geddes, David R. Flatla · 2022 · Proceedings of the 24th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 22)

    This paper critically examines how Colour Vision Deficiency (CVD) aids are evaluated, exposing fundamental flaws in common evaluation practices. CVD affects approximately 5% of the population and impairs the ability to accurately identify and discriminate between colours — a…

    colour vision deficiency · colour blindness · CVD simulation · evaluation methods · colour identification aids

  • Analysis of automated contrast checking tools

    Rafael Almeida, Carlos Duarte · 2020 · Proceedings of the 17th International Web for All Conference (W4A)

    This paper evaluates the reliability and limitations of three free automated color contrast checking tools: the Color Contrast Accessibility Validator (from the Bureau of Internet Accessibility), WAVE (from WebAIM), and the WCAG Color Contrast Checker (a browser extension for…

    color contrast · automated testing · accessibility tools · WCAG compliance · visual accessibility

  • ThermalCane: Exploring Thermotactile Directional Cues on Cane-Grip for Non-Visual Navigation

    Arshad Nasser, Kai-Ning Keng, Kening Zhu · 2020 · Proceedings of the 22nd International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2020)

    This paper presents ThermalCane, a white-cane grip augmented with flexible Peltier thermoelectric modules that provide thermal directional cues for blind and visually impaired (BVI) navigation. While existing haptic navigation aids primarily use vibrotactile feedback (vibration…

    visual accessibility · navigation · haptic technology · white cane · assistive technology

  • Making Mobile Augmented Reality Applications Accessible

    Jaylin Herskovitz, Jason Wu, Samuel White, Amy Pavel, Gabriel Reyes, Anhong Guo, Jeffrey P. Bigham · 2020 · Proceedings of the 22nd International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2020)

    This paper tackles a fundamental accessibility gap in augmented reality: AR applications are overwhelmingly visual, mixing virtual 3D objects with the real world in ways that existing screen readers and accessibility services cannot interpret. The researchers analyzed 105…

    augmented reality · visual accessibility · blindness and low vision · mobile accessibility · screen readers

  • CaseGuide: Making Cheap Smartphones Accessible to Individuals with Visual Impairments in Informal Settlements

    Roos van Greevenbroek · 2020 · Proceedings of the 22nd International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2020)

    This short paper presents CaseGuide, a low-cost concept for making cheap smartphones accessible to individuals with visual impairments living in informal settlements (IVIIS). The majority of visually impaired people live in low-income areas where less than 5-15% can access…

    visual accessibility · mobile accessibility · global accessibility · Global South accessibility · assistive technology

  • "I can't name it, but I can perceive it" Conceptual and Operational Design of "Tactile Accuracy" Assisting Tactile Image Cognition

    Jiangtao Gong, Wenyuan Yu, Long Ni, Yang Jiao, Ye Liu, Xiaolan Fu, Yingqing Xu · 2020 · Proceedings of the 22nd International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2020)

    This paper introduces "tactile accuracy," a new evaluation criterion for measuring how well blind people recognize objects in raised-line tactile images, replacing the conventional "naming accuracy" borrowed from visual image recognition research. The fundamental problem is that…

    visual accessibility · tactile graphics · blindness and low vision · tactile accessibility · cognition

  • Travelling more independently: A Requirements Analysis for Accessible Journeys to Unknown Buildings for People with Visual Impairments

    Christin Engel, Karin Müller, Angela Constantinescu, Claudia Loitsch, Vanessa Petrausch, Gerhard Weber, Rainer Stiefelhagen · 2020 · Proceedings of the 22nd International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2020)

    This paper presents a comprehensive survey with 106 people with visual impairments (63 blind, 43 low vision; ages 8-77, mean 46; predominantly German) examining how they plan and carry out journeys to unknown buildings. Unlike previous studies that focused on isolated aspects of…

    visual accessibility · blindness and low vision · indoor navigation · wayfinding · orientation and mobility

  • Visual Content Considered Private by People Who are Blind

    Abigale Stangl, Kristina Shiroma, Bo Xie, Kenneth R. Fleischmann, Danna Gurari · 2020 · Proceedings of the 22nd International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2020)

    This paper presents the first empirical study investigating what types of visual content people who are blind consider private, in the context of their use of Visual Interpreters or Description Services (VIDS) — services like Seeing AI, Aira, Be My Eyes, and TapTapSee that…

    visual accessibility · blindness and low vision · privacy · computer vision · artificial intelligence

  • Deconstructing a "puzzle" of visual experiences of blind and low-vision visual artists

    Yulia Zhiglova · 2020 · Proceedings of the 22nd International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2020)

    This short paper explores how blind and low-vision visual artists perceive and interpret visual information, with the goal of informing the design of a haptic device that could communicate rich visual details. While existing assistive technologies focus on task-oriented visual…

    visual accessibility · blindness and low vision · haptic technology · disability arts · perception

  • TIP-Toy: a tactile, open-source computational toolkit to support learning across visual abilities

    Giulia Barbareschi, Enrico Costanza, Catherine Holloway · 2020 · Proceedings of the 22nd International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2020)

    This paper presents TIP-Toy (Tactile Inclusive Programming Toy), an open-source educational programming toolkit using physical blocks and music output, designed for children ages 6-11 with mixed visual abilities — from full sight to total blindness. The fundamental problem is…

    visual accessibility · STEM education · tangible interaction · blindness and low vision · inclusive design

  • Privacy Considerations of the Visually Impaired with Camera Based Assistive Technologies: Misrepresentation, Impropriety, and Fairness

    Taslima Akter, Tousif Ahmed, Apu Kapadia, Swami Manohar Swaminathan · 2020 · Proceedings of the 22nd International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2020)

    This paper investigates the privacy concerns of both visually impaired people (PVIs) and sighted bystanders regarding camera-based assistive technologies like smart glasses (Orcam, Aira, eSight) that can identify people and provide demographic and behavioral information about…

    visual accessibility · blindness and low vision · privacy · AI bias · AI fairness

  • Behaviors, Problems and Strategies of Visually Impaired Persons During Meal Preparation in the Indian Context: Challenges and Opportunities for Design

    Avyay Ravi Kashyap · 2020 · Proceedings of the 22nd International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2020)

    This short paper investigates how visually impaired people in India prepare meals, focusing specifically on cooking techniques that involve heat application — an area largely neglected in accessibility research. While preparatory tasks (cutting, peeling, soaking) are primarily…

    visual accessibility · blindness and low vision · independent living · cooking accessibility · daily living

  • Tapsonic: One Dimensional Finger Mounted Multimodal Line Chart Reader

    Zeyuan Zhang · 2020 · Proceedings of the 22nd International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2020)

    This short paper presents Tapsonic, a finger-mounted wearable device that enables people with visual impairments to read line charts through a combination of haptic feedback and voiceover. The key innovation is a dimensionality reduction approach: rather than trying to…

    visual accessibility · data visualization · data accessibility · haptic technology · blindness and low vision

  • AIGuide: An Augmented Reality Hand Guidance Application for People with Visual Impairments

    Nelson Daniel Troncoso Aldas, Sooyeon Lee, Chonghan Lee, Mary Beth Rosson, John M. Carroll, Vijaykrishnan Narayanan · 2020 · Proceedings of the 22nd International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2020)

    This paper presents AIGuide, a self-contained offline iOS smartphone application that uses augmented reality (ARKit) to help people with visual impairments locate, navigate to, and pick up objects in their surroundings. Unlike existing object detection apps (Seeing AI, Aipoly)…

    visual accessibility · augmented reality · blindness and low vision · mobile accessibility · computer vision

  • The effect of typeface and font size on reading text on a tablet computer for older and younger people

    Maneerut Chatrangsan, Helen Petrie · 2019 · Proceedings of the 16th International Web for All Conference (W4A)

    This study investigated how typeface (serif vs. sans serif) and font size (14, 16, and 18 point) affect reading performance and preferences on tablet computers for younger and older people. The research was conducted cross-culturally in both Thailand and the UK, with…

    readability · typography · font size · older adults · aging

  • VizLens: A Robust and Interactive Screen Reader for Interfaces in the Real World

    Anhong Guo, Xiang "Anthony" Chen, Haoran Qi, Samuel White, Suman Ghosh, Chieko Asakawa, Jeffrey P. Bigham · 2016 · Proceedings of the 29th Annual Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology (UIST 2016)

    This paper introduces VizLens, a system that functions as a screen reader for physical interfaces in the real world, enabling blind people to independently use inaccessible appliances like microwaves, thermostats, kiosks, and checkout terminals. VizLens deeply integrates…

    visual accessibility · computer vision · crowdsourcing · blind users · physical interfaces

  • Reconciling User and Designer Preferences in Adapting Web Pages for People with Low Vision

    Yoann Bonavero, Marianne Huchard, Michel Meynard · 2015 · Proceedings of the 12th International Web for All Conference (W4A)

    This paper addresses the challenge of adapting web pages for people with low vision while preserving the original design intent. Unlike simple approaches that override all colors or apply uniform changes, the authors frame web page adaptation as a multi-objective optimization…

    low vision · web page personalization · color contrast · evolutionary algorithms · content adaptation

  • RegionSpeak: Quick Comprehensive Spatial Descriptions of Complex Images for Blind Users

    Yu Zhong, Walter S. Lasecki, Erin Brady, Jeffrey P. Bigham · 2015 · Proceedings of the 33rd Annual ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI 2015)

    This paper introduces RegionSpeak, a mobile application that helps blind users get comprehensive spatial descriptions of complex visual scenes by combining image stitching with parallelized crowdsourced labeling. The authors identify a gap in existing visual question-answering…

    visual accessibility · crowdsourcing · image description · spatial awareness · blind users

  • Real Time Object Scanning Using a Mobile Phone and Cloud-based Visual Search Engine

    Yu Zhong, Pierre J. Garrigues, Jeffrey P. Bigham · 2013 · Proceedings of the 15th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2013)

    This paper presents Scan Search, an iPhone application that enables blind users to identify everyday objects in real time by continuously scanning with their phone camera rather than taking individual photos. The core challenge addressed is that blind people struggle with the…

    visual accessibility · object recognition · blind users · mobile accessibility · computer vision

  • Improving Calibration Time and Accuracy for Situation-Specific Models of Color Differentiation

    David R. Flatla, Carl Gutwin · 2011 · The Proceedings of the 13th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (ASSETS 2011)

    This paper presents ICD-2, a significantly improved situation-specific model of human color differentiation designed to make personalised color accessibility tools practical for real-world use. Color vision deficiencies (CVDs) affect people's ability to distinguish colors on…

    color vision deficiency · color blindness · color accessibility · calibration · color differentiation

  • Accommodating Color Blind Computer Users

    Luke Jefferson, Richard Harvey · 2006 · Proceedings of the 8th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (Assets '06)

    This paper from the University of East Anglia presents an algorithm for recoloring digital images and documents so that color information is preserved for color blind viewers, particularly dichromats (people missing one type of cone cell). The algorithm addresses a fundamental…

    color vision deficiency · color blindness · dichromacy · color remapping · color contrast

  • SmartColor: Disambiguation Framework for the Colorblind

    Ken Wakita, Kenta Shimamura · 2005 · Proceedings of the 7th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility (Assets '05)

    This paper presents SmartColor, a framework that automatically repaints coloured documents so that people with colour vision deficiencies can perceive the same colour effects — such as contrast, shared colour grouping, and distinguishability — that the original author intended…

    color blindness · color accessibility · color contrast · data visualization · constraint systems

  • A Framework of Assistive Pointers for Low Vision Users

    Julie Fraser, Carl Gutwin · 2000 · Proceedings of the Fourth International ACM Conference on Assistive Technologies (Assets '00)

    This paper from the University of Saskatchewan proposes a four-dimensional framework for systematically exploring the design space of assistive mouse pointers for low vision computer users. The authors argue that while various pointer assistance techniques exist — such as…

    low vision · mouse pointer · cursor movement · screen magnification · design frameworks

25 results.