Oxford Smart Specs (Oxsight) UX Research
Working with Oxford University and Dr. Stephen Hicks (Head of Innovation at Oxsight), I independently designed, organised, and executed Smart Specs way-finding user trials in differing light intensities, for individuals with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP).
Smart Specs are a a form of Augmented Reality (AR) visionary technology for the visually impaired. The Smart Specs are designed to increase the field of vision and transform the lives of people with a range of visual impairments.
RP is a group of rare, genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and loss of cells in the retina, characterised by difficulty seeing at night and a loss of side (peripheral) vision.
The aim of this research was to produce reliable data for the Oxsight team, and help the continued development of the smart specs, ultimately working towards the most effective AR aid for the visually impaired.
Objectives
Examination into the performance of Smart Glasses for RP participants’ navigation in low, medium and high light intensities. To provide evidence of navigational improvement for RP participants when navigating with the aid of the Smart Specs. To indicate the level of light intensity the Smart Specs perform best in for RP participants.
Methods
A preliminary survey was targeted at 5 people with RP with the aim of collecting quantitative data on their navigational experiences in everyday life.
A navigational trail using a systematic grid layout and random object introduction was conducted with 10 non-visually impaired participants, 8 simulated RP (SRP) participants, and 3 RP participants. The trails consisted of; a 10 question pre-trial survey, a 15 question post-trial survey, a visual acuity test simulator, and a navigational trial with the Smart Glasses in 3 different light levels with ‘Time taken’ and ‘no. of object collisions’ as the dependent variables.
Study participants
Participant sample strategy involved contacting the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB), RP Fighting Blindness and existing researchers.
Preliminary Likert-type survey & responses
Preliminary survey results
Preliminary survey responses indicated a need for assistive technologies in lower light intensities.
Visual acuity testing (Landolt C) results
Visual acuity scores were lower for RP and SRP participants when compared to non-visually impaired participants.
Way-finding trial design & results
Wayfinding trial results
All participants took significantly longer to complete navigational trials when wearing the Smart Glasses (p=0.00).
All participants took significantly longer to complete the navigational trials in the low light intensity compared to the medium and high light intensities when wearing the Smart Glasses (p=0.000).
RP + SRP participants collided into a significantly less no. of objects when wearing the Smart Glasses in the lower light intensity when compared to the higher light intensities (p=0.000).
Pre/ post trial survey & analysis
Pre/post trial survey analysis
Post trial survey responses indicated the preference for Smart Glasses use in lower light intensities and their useful assistive properties in avoiding object collisions.
Overarching conclusion
People with RP experience significant navigational improvement by colliding into fewer objects when using the Smart Glasses at dawn, dusk and night light conditions.