Human-Centred Design and Evaluation of a Low-Cost Smart Cane for Independent Mobility of Visually Impaired Users

Independent mobility is an important aspect of daily life for visually impaired people. The conventional white cane helps users identify obstacles through physical contact, but it provides limited warning about obstacles before they are reached. This study presents the design and evaluation of a low-cost smart cane developed to provide early obstacle awareness through ultrasonic sensing and haptic feedback. The study follows a human-centered design approach, with emphasis on usability, accessibility, safety, and ease of interaction. The proposed prototype uses an Arduino Uno with ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles and provides alerts through vibration, supported by an LED indicator. The design process included problem identification, concept development, hardware selection, circuit design, prototyping, programming, structural development, assembly, and real-world testing. Initial testing was carried out with different stationary and moving objects to examine obstacle detection and to adjust the sensitivity of the system and reduce unnecessary alerts. The study further proposes user-based evaluation to understand how effectively users can interpret the haptic feedback and how the device supports their perceived safety, confidence, and independent mobility. Rather than focusing only on the technical functioning of the device, the study considers the interaction between the user and the assistive technology. The research aims to identify the strengths and limitations of a low-cost smart cane and provide design recommendations for improving its usability and practical application. The study contributes to the growing field of assistive technology by exploring how simple sensing and haptic feedback can be integrated into a familiar mobility aid to provide additional support for visually impaired users.