Enhancing Virtual Mobility for Individuals Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision: A Stationary Exploration Method

Designing accessible locomotion methods for individuals who are blind or have low vision (BLV) is a complex challenge, particularly in mobile VR environments with limited interface options. In this paper, we propose a novel locomotion technique on mobile VR that enables users to control a virtual character’s movement while staying stationary or within a small physical area. The technique utilizes the phone’s gyroscope for movement control, while providing spatial audio and vibration feedback to enhance virtual exploration for BLV individuals. Our study examines how BLV individuals acquire spatial knowledge in mobile VR environments. A user study is conducted to assess the effectiveness of the proposed approach.