Survey of visually impaired users reveals wearable navigation demand

A new user-focused survey from researchers at the University of Zurich (Banafshe Marziyeh Bamdad, Manuel Günther, Alireya Darvishy) reveals a critical gap between current assistive navigation tech and what visually impaired people actually want. The 8-page paper, accepted at the International Conference on Computers Helping People with Special Needs (ICCHP 2026), collected responses from individuals and organizations worldwide. While smartphone-based apps remain the most commonly used digital navigation aids, a substantial portion of participants reported not using any assistive technology at all—citing high costs, poor accessibility, and difficult user interfaces as barriers.

Despite the prevalence of mobile solutions, respondents consistently reported struggles with obstacle detection, wayfinding, and navigating complex environments like crowded streets or indoor spaces. More importantly, the survey uncovered a strong preference for wearable and hands-free systems—items like smart glasses, haptic belts, or audio-only guides—rather than requiring users to hold and look at a phone. This desire highlights a clear mismatch between current tech offerings and real-world needs. The authors argue that future assistive systems should prioritize hands-free interaction to truly support independent navigation for the blind and visually impaired community.