Hotel stays of individuals with a visual impairment: a qualitative study with a focus on sensory substitution

Sensory substitution devices (SSDs) hold the potential to assist individuals with a visual impairment with actions such as navigation and orientation. Even so, SSDs are not frequently used in everyday life. The lack of user involvement in the development of SSDs may be among the reasons for this discrepancy. To remedy the gap, this study explores the challenges that are encountered by individuals with a visual impairment in a situation in which SSDs may be particularly useful: the hotel environment. Semi-structured interviews conducted with eight individuals revealed three main themes: navigation and orientation challenges and strategies, wayfinding aids, and user needs. The findings highlight substantial challenges due to accessibility, localization, spatial configuration, obstacles, and dependency on others. Navigation strategies employed by the individuals included exploration, the use of mental maps, environmental cues, and asking for spatial directions. Whereas SSDs were considered to have future potential, issues of precision and information overload were common concerns. The study revealed a need of individuals for autonomy, control, and sociability, which is in line with the basic human needs proposed by Deci and Ryan in their self-determination theory. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of tailoring SSDs to the specific challenges that are encountered by individuals with a visual impairment. Furthermore, it is important to consider SSDs in the broader context of the needs of individuals, because the satisfaction of needs promotes people's well-being and motivation to use SSDs.