Computer vision in situ

Background: This article shows a visually impaired person (VIP) trying to locate products while shopping using the commercially available computer vision device Orcam. Method: Based on ethnomethodological conversation analysis and perspectives on materiality and agency from a post-praxiological position, the study shows, through detailed analysis of transcribed video excerpts, the observable sense-making practices related to this technology. Results: The study shows the VIP and researcher-participants exploring what the device can and cannot do, and how the local body–object–environment relations need to be organized to make the device scan. The study shows the value of applying a post-praxiological approach to understanding socio-material practices. It also introduces the ‘video-based contextual inquiry’ method as a form of researcher engagement in producing the situation and the data collection. Discussion/conclusion: The article provides two novel contributions: (1) to the field of ethnomethodology and conversation analysis research, with a critical reflection on semi-experimental data collection and the role of the researcher, the materials, and the distribution of agency; and (2) to the field of impairment and disability studies, with insights on locally organized body–object–environment relations and the design of artifacts for computer vision recognition technology.