Design Thinking (Brailling App) —2016-2020
Questionnaire of questions to develop the design thinking methodology. I have interviewed more than 30 blind users in the past years. I have also double check the information I have collected and analyzed using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Next, I will leave a real example of an interview with a blind user (p2p) with the questions previously practiced in our design thinking research:
Q1 - What is your name? How old are you?
I'm a 35-year-old blind engineer from Spain. I'm passionate about technology and its potential to improve the lives of people with visual impairments. I'm confident in my mobility skills and have found success in my career thanks to assistive technology and a Master's degree in Engineering.
Q2- What is your typical day like?
My day usually consists of waking up early in the morning, exercising, going to work, spending time with loved ones, and learning new things. After a long day, I usually take a break by watching TV or playing video games for a few hours before bed.
Q3 - Do you work? How was your experience when looking for a job?
Yes, I work as an engineer. My experience when looking for a job was challenging, but ultimately rewarding. I started off by researching companies that were known for being accessible and supportive of people with disabilities. Once I had a few potential candidates, I applied to their jobs online and reached out to their recruiters directly. I ended up finding a position at a small startup that was eager to hire someone with my background. It truly was a great experience. The hardest part was getting started. Once I got my foot in the door, everything else fell into place.
Q3 - Do you know braille? Do you use it often? Did you learn it long ago? How did you learn? Is braille useful to you at work? Where do you use braille? In what space?
Yes, I know how to read and write braille. I do use it often. I use braille in all parts of my life, such as when reading, writing, and working.
I learned it when I was young, and it has been extremely useful to me. It is a great form of communication and allows me to be more independent and self-sufficient.
I use it mainly for reading and writing, but it also comes in handy when using computers and other devices. I especially like that it gives me a way to access information without having to use a screen reader or other audio-based technology.
Q4 - Do you like technology? Are there communication barriers? Which is it? Why are they barriers? Do you use cell phone? How does the cell phone influence your life? What make and model is it? Why did you choose that cell phone? Do you use apps? Which do you use more? Because? What is missing from the cell phone that it does not have now?
Yes, I love technology. It has so much potential to help people with disabilities and to make our lives better.
A major communication barrier for me is that many people don't understand how to interact with me or how to help me. They also don't understand that being blind doesn't mean that I can't do anything for myself.
This is really frustrating, because it leads to a lot of misunderstandings and misinformation. Thankfully, there are more and more resources available now to help people understand how to communicate with blind people and how to help them.
Q5 -Do you meet new people online? By what technological means did you meet them? Why did you choose this medium?
I do meet new people online! I've used social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to meet new people. I've also participated in online forums and communities for blind people. I chose online platforms because they make connecting with other people with similar interests much easier. I also like the anonymity that the internet provides, because it makes it easier to be vulnerable and open up to others without fear of judgement.
Juan Manuel Jacinto,UX/UI & IxD Accessibility Designer.
I am in continue movement looking forward to achieve my personal and professional goals. I believe the user experience is everything to sell a product or turn one to be more successful.