Challenging the Place through Participation: Reflections from Working with Visually Impaired Persons

Abstract : We report on two ongoing research projects concerned respectively with the development of a rural stay and an art exhibition. Our approach is inspired by participatory design and the specific stakes of expanding the range of accessible activities for visually impaired persons. The observation and analysis of the interaction and disruption that comes from making the participation of visually impaired persons possible unfolds important aspects to take into account when designing accessible user experience as well as give incentive to the visited place to improve their accessibility for all. We would like to share on-going reflection on methods and participation as well as learning from our projects.