Enhancing accessibility: Development and usability testing of mobile application mitigating sexual harassment for...

Area of Science:

• Assistive technology development
• Human-computer interaction
• Mobile application design

Background:

• Visually impaired masseurs (VIMs) face unique safety challenges, including risks of danger and sexual harassment.
• Existing safety measures may not adequately address the specific needs and contexts of VIMs.
• There is a need for accessible and practical technological solutions to enhance personal safety for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate the usability of the Visually Impaired Masseur Assistance Application (VIMAA).
• To assess VIMAA's effectiveness in responding to safety threats and harassment experienced by visually impaired masseurs.
• To explore user perceptions regarding the practicality, acceptability, and accessibility of VIMAA.

Main Methods:

• The study employed a hybrid approach, integrating the Rapid Application Development (RAD) method with qualitative in-depth interviews.
• RAD involved four stages: requirement identification, design workshop, construction, and implementation.
• Usability testing utilized thematic analysis of qualitative interviews and functionality testing of key features (help request, notification, feedback).

Main Results:

• Pre-test interviews identified themes of traumatic experiences and the critical need for protection among VIMs.
• Post-test findings highlighted the ease of requesting assistance and seamless switching to speech mode within VIMAA.
• Functionality testing confirmed the effectiveness of help request, notification, and feedback features.
• Visually impaired masseurs found VIMAA to be user-friendly, practical, and acceptable.

Conclusions:

• VIMAA is an effective and accessible mobile application framework designed to enhance the safety of visually impaired masseurs.
• The application addresses critical safety concerns, providing a practical tool for VIMs to request assistance.
• The study provides valuable insights into user preferences for mobile applications tailored to visually impaired individuals, guiding future development.