Enhancing museum accessibility for blind and low vision visitors through interactive multimodal tangible interfaces

• End-user involvement is crucial for accessible assistive technology development. • Effective 3D-printed replicas for cultural heritage touch tours require comprehensive sensory details (shape, material, scale, weight). • Museum audio guides for blind and low vision users should be concise, delivering both technical and contextual information. • Multimodal user interfaces for blind and low vision users must prioritize user control. • A theoretical and practical model for technology-based accessibility needs to be developed. This research explores how Interactive Multimodal Tangible Interface (IMTIs) exploiting advanced technologies such as 3D printing and microcontrollers to enhance museum experiences for blind and low vision (BLV) visitors. It investigates the potential for these technologies to create more inclusive and engaging museum environments. Four IMTIs were developed in collaboration with two blind volunteers, with each IMTI using a different interaction technique (autoplay, pushbuttons, and scanning sensors) developed in the pilot phase and having a different shape to align with the museum installation being presented. After refining the concepts, three of the four IMTIs were redesigned and developed into high-quality IMTIs and evaluated by BLV visitors (n=30). The results showed a clear preference among BLV visitors for using pushbuttons to operate the IMTI. Additionally, the research identified key areas for improvement, including 3D printing techniques for producing replicas, audio guide content, and design decisions that can enhance users’ sense of control over the IMTI. These findings offer valuable insights for the future development of tactile replicas that promote contextual understanding, while contributing to a more inclusive and engaging museum experience.