Tracing Interaction on OTASCE Map by the Visually Impaired: Feasibility of Adopting Interactive Route Guidance

We proposed an interactive map applicationOTASCE Mapwhich presents map and route information. It utilizes customizable audio-tactile elements when the user traces the map on the touchscreen or the displayed route with their finger. However despite the unique interaction on the OTASCE Mapthe quantitative interaction situation and the operation requirements under screen-reading conditions remain unclear. Thereforein this studywe aimed to clarify the actual situation of route-tracing interaction on the smartphone-based map application and to derive efficiency improvement factors. At the exhibition for the visually impaired in Japan we evaluated the traceability of the route on the OTASCE Map. The result indicated that most participants could significantly trace the route and reach the destination when they did not perform release-retouch-trace (RRT) interaction. Herein we also discuss the cause of RRT interaction and how to decrease such interactions.