Constructive Visualization to Inform the Design and Exploration of Tactile Data Representations

Abstract

As data visualization has become increasingly important in our society, many challenges prevent people who are blind and visually impaired (BVI) from fully engaging with data and data graphics. For example, tactile data representations are commonly used by BVI people to explore spatial graphics, but it is difficult for BVI people to construct and understand tactile representations without prior training or expert assistance. In this work, we adopt a constructive visualization framework of using simple and versatile tokens to engage non-experts in the construction of tactile data representations. We present preliminary results of how participants chose to interpret and create tactile data representations and the preferred haptic exploratory procedures used for retrieving information. All participants used similar construction strategies and converged upon 3D compact spatial forms to retrieve and display analytical information. These insights can inform future data visualization authoring and consumption tools that users of more diverse skill backgrounds can effectively navigate.