AR wearables and “A-ha”
Every so often I am grateful to experience what’s best called as “a-ha” moments in my professional life.
No, whilst I enjoyed their music at the time I’m not referring to one of Norway’s best musical exports.
In researching the benefits of assistive technologies for people with vision impairment there have been several pinnacle events: several “a-ha!” moments. Most of these moments are the direct result of seeing the impact of the principles of universal design.
For those not familiar with these principles it is important to note that they are: “not a type of product – it is a design thinking process. That means it can be applied to anything and everything that is designed in our world.” If you want to know more about these principles Centre for Universal Design Australia has a great wealth of resources.
When I started work as an Occupational Therapist “assistive technology” as it related to vision impairment was very technical. It often fell within the realms of technicians and engineers to implement due to the customisation needed via programming or the installation of specific software to achieve screen magnification or access to a screen reader. Would you like those features? Well, first you need to purchase a high end (read = expensive) mobile phone then purchase the relevant third party screen magnifier or screen reader software package. You were then dependent on software upgrades to ensure the compatibility between the two. Anyone care to remember what it was like attempting to text someone using a T-9 keyboard and a screen reader?
Along came Apple with its iPhone 3GS and that all changed. Want a screen reader? Purchase one and they’d throw in a smartphone for free. It was a pinnacle moment for me – a real “a-ha!” moment. It didn’t take other manufacturers long to make this a reality across other smartphones that run Android. In my opinion a true example of universal design.
Fast forward to the Consumer Electronics Show in 2023 where a number of product launches focussed on wearable technologies that would have a flow on effect for people with vision impairment. Within a couple of months there were several mainstream products available, for example the Meta Ray-Bans, that echoed the functionality of specialised assistive technology (AT) but at one tenth the price.
Cue another “a-ha!” moment.
I’ve had the opportunity to trial the Meta’s in my workplace lately and be able to compare them against specialist AT. Whilst initially marketed as a new means of engaging with your personal social media there are noticeable design features that can impact on the lives of people with a vision impairment.
Admittedly this “mainstream” product relies heavily on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), internet connectivity and lack some of the features available in dedicated AT solutions like the OrCam MyEye and Envision glasses. But the potential is there and possibly just a firmware upgrade away. I see so many similarities in its release that echo the experiences around the release of the 3GS.
As we entered the new year the world awoke to the emergence of DeepSeek AI and its potentially particularly at a lower price point. There’s the engine now what is going to be built around it? AI offers much potential but we always need to be mindful on how it is training its own data re: privacy.
I’ve ever curious about where AI is going to take wearables in the future. I suspect (and probably can predict) there will be a number of wearables released in 2025 that echo the functionality of Meta’s current offering.
I can’t help but sense there are more “a-ha!” moments to come this year.
