Exploration of Interface Usability in a Haptic 3d Virtual Labyrinth for Visually Impaired Users

In this paper, an experimental study is presented on navigation in a 3D virtual environment by blind and visually impaired people with haptic and audio interaction. A simple 3D labyrinth is developed with haptic and audio interfaces to allow blind and visually impaired persons to access a three-dimensional Virtual Reality scene through senses of touch and hearing. The user must move from inside of the labyrinth to find an exit. Objects with different shapes can be found inside the labyrinth with walls around them. Different navigation tools were designed in order to assist their spatial orientation and mobility with haptic and audio cues. The result of the experimental study with qualitative analysis is an investigation on the accessibility and usability for blind and visually impaired people to play online 3D virtual reality games like Second Life in a haptic and audio virtual environment. This description can later serve as an input to innovative presentations on cognitive mapping, orientation and navigation of spatial structures using haptic and auditory displays.