ABSTRACT
Data visualisations are increasingly used online to engage readers and enable independent analysis of the data underlying news stories. However, access to such infographics is problematic for readers who are blind or have low vision (BLV). Equitable access to information is a basic human right and essential for independence and inclusion. We introduce infosonics, the audio equivalent of infographics, as a new style of interactive sonification that uses a spoken introduction and annotation, non-speech audio and sound design elements to present data in an understandable and engaging way. A controlled user evaluation with 18 BLV adults found a COVID-19 infosonic enabled a clearer mental image than a traditional sonification. Further, infosonics prove complementary to text descriptions and facilitate independent understanding of the data. Based on our findings, we provide preliminary suggestions for infosonics design, which we hope will enable BLV people to gain equitable access to online news and information. © 2022 ACM.
ABSTRACT
A critical component of the worldwide response to the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has been providing the general public with information about the virus and the health measures designed to slow its spread. Much of this information has been presented as visual graphics. Have people who are blind or have low vision (BLV) been able to gain access to this information through nonvisual media and, if so, how? We investigate this issue using Australia as a case study. © 2020 Owner/Author.