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Introduction: Loneliness poses significant challenges for people with visual impairments (i.e., those who are blind or have low vision). To explore potential solutions, the study investigated the degree to which smart technologies (i.e., iPhone 13 Mini, Apple Watch SE, and Amazon Echo 4th Gen), pre-synced to work together as an integrated system, help to manage loneliness.Methods:A convenience sample of 41 individuals with visual impairments and 38 sighted counterparts used the preconfigured smart technologies freely for seven days. Loneliness was assessed using the UCLA 3-Item Loneliness Scale.Results:Results showed a decrease in perceived loneliness for both groups after the study. A negative correlation was found between the frequency of smart speaker usage and the level of perceived loneliness among participants with visual impairments. Participants reported positive user experiences, emphasizing the contributions of smart technologies to reducing feelings of loneliness.Discussion: The study highlights the effectiveness of interconnected smart technologies in reducing loneliness among individuals with visual impairments, suggesting their potential role in broader accessibility and mental health initiatives.Implications for Practitioners: Practitioners should consider integrating accessible, interconnected smart technologies into support programs to alleviate loneliness and enhance social connections for individuals with visual impairments.
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This content will become publicly available on May 5, 2026
User Study: Smart Speakers and Visual Disabilities
This study investigates how individuals with visual disabilities and their sighted counterparts perceive user experiences with smart speakers. A sample of 79 participants, including 41 with visual disabilities and 38 sighted individuals, used Amazon Echo 4th Gen smart speakers. After participants used the smart speakers for one week in their daily lives, exit interviews were administered and analyzed, yielding themes of accessibility, effectiveness, enjoyment, efficiency, and privacy. Findings revealed that the voice user interfaces of smart speakers significantly enhanced accessibility and user satisfaction for those with visual disabilities, while the voice assistant Alexa contributed to fostering emotional connections. Sighted participants, while benefiting from the smart speaker's multifunctionality and efficiency, faced challenges with initial setup and advanced features. Individuals with visual disabilities raised privacy concerns. This study underscores the need for inclusive design improvements to address the diverse needs of all users. To improve user experience, future enhancements should focus on refining voice command accuracy, integrating predictive features, optimizing onboarding processes, and strengthening privacy controls.
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- PAR ID:
- 10644263
- Publisher / Repository:
- The California State University
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal on technology and persons with disabilities
- Volume:
- 13
- ISSN:
- 2330-4219
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 181-194
- Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
- usability, user experience, accessibility, voice assistants
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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