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Eyes-free interaction

Also known as: Eyes-free interface, Non-visual interaction

An interaction paradigm in which users operate technology without relying on visual feedback, instead receiving information through auditory, haptic, or other non-visual channels. Eyes-free interfaces are essential for people who are blind or have low vision, but also benefit sighted users in contexts where visual attention is directed elsewhere — such as driving, exercising, or cooking. Design principles for eyes-free interaction include using spatial audio, metaphorical verbal descriptions, sonification of state changes, and haptic confirmation to replace visual cues like progress bars, buttons, and status indicators.

Category: interaction design · visual impairment · assistive technology

Related: Screen reader · Sonification · Text-to-speech · Audio description · Spatial audio beacon

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