V-NAV Usability Study: End Users Trying the Vortant Indoor Navigation Tool

V-NAV: Advanced Indoor Navigation Aid for Individuals With Visual Impairments, End User Evaluation

The study will begin with an explanatory/training session where individuals with low vision will learn to use the V-NAV (Vortant NAVigation tool) indoor navigation app, and will have the opportunity to try it for a few representative tasks. The main activity includes a take-home trial, an extended unstructured period to emulate the post-purchase experience of users, during which participants will have the opportunity to use the V-NAV in their everyday lives. Data will be collected from the users to measure the relative advantage of V-NAV compared to the user's current indoor navigation method.

The introductory session, emphasizing real-world experiences, will involve a brief training session followed by simulated navigation experiences in a convenient location to the users. Participants will use V-NAV to record approximately 8 locations, then will be given instructions to find these locations again. The V-NAV prototype's logging software will measure distance walked and task time. Participants will complete a study-specific tool covering the relevant attributes of the V-NAV prototype, as well as a standardized tool, the NASA TLX (Task Load Index).

Subsequently, participants will complete a take-home trial, during which they will be encouraged to use the V-NAV features regularly to support their everyday community navigation activities. Participants will be contacted approximately weekly with a "check-in" to answer questions and resolve any emergent technical problems. At the conclusion of the trial, a product-specific tool and an appropriate standardized tool, the PIADS (Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale) will be administered.

Inclusion Criteria:

• AFB "visually impaired" definition, acuity 20/70 or worse or field loss of 140 degrees

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any health condition that may affect safety of individual to participate
• Any physical, mental, or behavioral impairment that would provide more than minimal risk or hindering ability to comprehend the purpose of the device or otherwise to be a potential user of the V-NAV hardware or app.