Work

Improving Swim Accessibility through Vibro-Tactile Sensory Substitution: A Preliminary Study

Year: 2023

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: Practicing sports and in particular swimming has several positive effects, among which is improving individuals’ perception of the self and, therefore, their control over their own body. Nevertheless, swimming accessibility has several barriers for people with visual impairments. This paper investigates the challenges that blind and visually-impaired (BVI) athletes encounter when practicing swim. It then illustrates a human-centered process that involved two Paralympic swimmers and that, thanks to the gathered insights, led to the design of VIBS, a vibro-tactile swimming cap that aims to make BVI swimmers feel safe and independent.

Source: Biannual Conference of the Italian SIGCHI Chapter (CHItaly)

DOI: 10.1145/3605390.3605418

Authors: Elena Gibelli, Diego Morra, Mirko Gelsomini, Maristella Matera

Institutions: Politecnico di Milano, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland

Language: English

Topic: Tactile and Sensory Interactions

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W4386730615

FWCI: 2.252

Cites: 19

Cited by: 5

Related to: 10