Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
PhD in Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran.
2
M.A. in Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
3
Ph.D. in Industrial Management (Production and Operations), Tehran South Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
4
Professor, Department of Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22054/jti.2026.94229.1729
Abstract
Visual impairment complicates spatial navigation, and conventional verbal navigation aids often cause sensory overload. This study aimed to design and evaluate an AI-based multimodal system using non-verbal sonification to enhance safe, independent navigation for people with visual impairments. In this applied, mixed-methods study, nine adults with severe visual impairment were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via the System Usability Scale (SUS), the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative analysis showed that non-speech sounds reduced navigation errors. The musical-scale sonification method proved most effective, decreasing the mean path deviation from 1.8 m to 0.7 m (p < 0.01, η² = .74). Furthermore, integrating ultrasonic sensors for obstacle detection reduced collision rates and lowered users’ mental workload. Qualitative findings, encapsulated in the core theme of the “Invisible Companion,” revealed that participants perceived the system as an unobtrusive, trustworthy aid that preserved their auditory awareness of the environment. Despite the small sample size, it was concluded that the proposed multimodal system is a promising alternative for sensory compensation. This technological integration enhanced perceptual safety, user experience, and independent mobility in semi-controlled field environments.
Keywords
