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The integration of 3D audio and visual accessibility features in Extended Reality (XR) whiteboards offers new possibilities for inclusive collaboration, especially for individuals with visual impairments. This research explores how these technologies can enhance user guidance and accessibility, utilizing a prototype developed through a participatory design process. Leveraging “UniNotesXR”, a spatial XR whiteboard equipped with 3D audio navigation, the study evaluates usability and accessibility through empirical user testing with participants with visual impairments. The theoretical foundation includes insights into accessibility, XR technologies, and assistive tools such as earcons, screen readers, and visual enhancements like zoom and contrast settings. Methodologically an interactive prototype was employed to simulate collaboration scenarios. Supported by usability tests, interviews, and standardized questionnaires (UEQ and NASA-TLX). Results indicate that the combination of spatial audio cues and customizable visual aids significantly improves orientation and interaction on XR whiteboards, mitigating key barriers faced by users with visual impairments. However, the cognitive load imposed by excessive information and limitations of current hardware and software regarding feedback precision remain challenging. The findings provide actionable recommendations for optimizing accessibility in XR environments: the earcon design, 3D audio precision and the integration of visual feedback. Furthermore, results underscore the need for further research into multisensory feedback modalities, sonification mapping strategies for inclusive design and social aspects of accessible XR whiteboards.

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UniNotesXR - Accessible Collaboration in Extended Reality a Spatial Whiteboard with 3D Audio User Guidance for the Visually Impaired

  • 会议论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年

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  • Elias Merzhäuser,
  • Gottfried Zimmermann,
  • Ansgar Gerlicher

摘要

The integration of 3D audio and visual accessibility features in Extended Reality (XR) whiteboards offers new possibilities for inclusive collaboration, especially for individuals with visual impairments. This research explores how these technologies can enhance user guidance and accessibility, utilizing a prototype developed through a participatory design process. Leveraging “UniNotesXR”, a spatial XR whiteboard equipped with 3D audio navigation, the study evaluates usability and accessibility through empirical user testing with participants with visual impairments. The theoretical foundation includes insights into accessibility, XR technologies, and assistive tools such as earcons, screen readers, and visual enhancements like zoom and contrast settings. Methodologically an interactive prototype was employed to simulate collaboration scenarios. Supported by usability tests, interviews, and standardized questionnaires (UEQ and NASA-TLX). Results indicate that the combination of spatial audio cues and customizable visual aids significantly improves orientation and interaction on XR whiteboards, mitigating key barriers faced by users with visual impairments. However, the cognitive load imposed by excessive information and limitations of current hardware and software regarding feedback precision remain challenging. The findings provide actionable recommendations for optimizing accessibility in XR environments: the earcon design, 3D audio precision and the integration of visual feedback. Furthermore, results underscore the need for further research into multisensory feedback modalities, sonification mapping strategies for inclusive design and social aspects of accessible XR whiteboards.