Accessible Flowcharts: A Feasibility Study with BVI Participants.

Flowcharts are practical tools for simplifying complex processes and aiding in problem-solving. However, individuals who are blind or visually impaired (BVI) face challenges in accessing and interpreting flowcharts due to their visual nature, creating barriers to academic and professional growth. To address this challenge, we designed and assessed three accessible flowchart representations through a user study with eight BVI participants. Participants engaged with a textual summary description with a question-and-answer interface, an interactive navigable diagram, and a tactile graphic. Each representation offered distinct benefits but presented challenges in forming mental models of flowchart content when used individually. The textual summary provided clear information but could not effectively convey the connections between nodes. The interactive navigable representation featured intuitive navigation, but participants needed a strong understanding of node relationships (e.g., the parent or sibling node) to use it effectively. The tactile graphic helped participants visualize information flows, though some participants found it slower to navigate due to difficulties with reading braille labels and identifying node connections. This study provides valuable insights into the design of accessible flowcharts, demonstrating the feasibility and potential of various representation methods.

Reccomended Citation: Wimer, B., Mack, K. A., Metoyer, R., & Mankoff, J. (2025). Accessible Flowcharts: A Feasibility Study with BVI Participants. The Journal on Technology and Persons with Disabilities, 317.