School of Optometry, 5622Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
7942Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Inquiry. 2022 Jan-Dec;59:469580211067446. doi: 10.1177/00469580211067446.
Experiencing visual art can inspire, be an overall positive leisure activity, and has been linked to improved cognition, especially in older adults. Access to artwork in a museum environment can comprise a variety of barriers, including difficulties linked to its visual experience for persons that are visually impaired. The present study explored the barriers and facilitators experienced by 15 older adults (age 65 to 93) living with age-related macular degeneration when using an iPad to access ArtontheBrain, a virtual art museum recreation experience created by members of this team. Using the Concurrent Think Aloud method, participants were asked to continuously comment on their experiences with the application while being audio/video recorded. Indeed, codes were determined by identifying frequently stated and emphasized ideas or behaviors of participants using the ArtontheBrain application. Transcripts underwent thematic analysis and indicated that the main access barriers were linked to control of the contrast, magnification, and the tactile interface on the tablet device. The learn and play activities as well as the text-to-speech feature were identified as facilitators for ArtontheBrain engagement. The present findings should also be considered in the larger context of application development, as this study provides insight pertaining to the needs of low vision individuals regarding usability and accessibility.
体验视觉艺术可以带来灵感，是一种积极的休闲活动，并且与认知能力的提高有关，尤其是在老年人中。在博物馆环境中欣赏艺术品可能会遇到各种障碍，包括视力障碍者在视觉体验方面的困难。本研究探讨了 15 名患有年龄相关性黄斑变性的老年人（65 至 93 岁）在使用 iPad 访问由该团队成员创建的虚拟艺术博物馆娱乐体验 ArtontheBrain 时所遇到的障碍和促进因素。使用并发思考 aloud 方法，要求参与者在被音频/视频记录的同时，不断对他们使用 ArtontheBrain 应用程序的体验发表评论。实际上，通过确定参与者使用 ArtontheBrain 应用程序时经常提到和强调的想法或行为来确定代码。文字记录经过主题分析，表明主要的访问障碍与平板电脑设备上的对比度、放大率和触觉界面的控制有关。学习和播放活动以及文本转语音功能被确定为 ArtontheBrain 参与的促进因素。本研究结果还应在应用程序开发的更广泛背景下进行考虑，因为这项研究提供了有关低视力个体可用性和可访问性需求的相关见解。
