Work

Creative Problem-Solving: A Study With Blind and Low Vision Software Professionals

Year: 2025

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: Background: Software engineering requires both technical skills and creative problem-solving. Blind and lowvision software professionals (BLVSPs) encounter numerous workplace challenges, including inaccessible tools and collaboration hurdles with sighted colleagues. Objective: This study explores the innovative strategies employed by BLVSPs to overcome these accessibility barriers, focusing on their custom solutions and the importance of supportive communities. Methodology: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 BLVSPs and used reflexive thematic analysis to identify key themes. Results: Findings reveal that BLVSPs are motivated to develop creative and adaptive solutions, highlighting the vital role of collaborative communities in fostering shared problem-solving. Conclusion: For BLVSPs, creative problem-solving is essential for navigating inaccessible work environments, in contrast to sighted peers, who pursue optimization. This study enhances understanding of how BLVSPs navigate accessibility challenges through innovation.

DOI: 10.1109/chase66643.2025.00014

Authors: Karina Kohl, Yoonha Cha, Victoria Jackson, Stacy Branham, André van der Hoek, Rafael Prikladnicki

Institutions: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, University of California, Irvine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul

Language: English

Topic: Digital Accessibility for Disabilities

Subfield: Human Factors and Ergonomics

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Funders: National Science Foundation, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico

Awards: Collaborative Research: SHF: Small: Distributed Fragmented Software Design Meetings, G29316538, Collaborative Research: FW-HTF-RL: Building an Inclusive Future of Work: Accessible Collaboration for Visually Impaired Information Workers, FW-HTF-RL: Improving the Mental Well-being and Productivity of the Software Development Workforce of Tomorrow, SHF: Medium: Automated Software Engineering Techniques for Improving the Accessibility of Software